The Green Bay Packers are hurting - and it goes far beyond a pair of painful three-point losses in the past three weeks.
As the Packers prepare to host the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, they are dealing with a growing injury list that is threatening to derail their season.
Green Bay received bad news on two fronts this week when it was revealed that tight end Jermichael Finley, an emerging star, and linebacker Nick Barnett could be lost for the season after each underwent surgery.
The short-term health prognosis isn't much better. Linebacker Clay Matthews, the NFL sacks leader with 8.5 this seaso, has yet to practice this week after suffering a strained hamstring in last week's overtime loss at the Washington Redskins.
Matthews was joined on the sideline Thursday by fellow linebacker Brandon Chillar and defensive ends Ryan Pickett and Mike Neal, who also are questionable for Sunday.
Which is why the Packers and their faithful are holding out hope that quarterback Aaron Rodgers will be cleared to play after suffering a concussion on the final offensive play in last week's game against the Redskins.
Rodgers practiced on a limited basis Thursday and said he remains "very optimistic" that he will be under center Sunday. He was cleared by a team doctor and an independent neurologist and likely will play Sunday barring a setback on Friday.
With untested Matt Flynn serving as the backup, the Packers cannot afford to be without Rodgers, who has been forced to shoulder an increased offensive burden following a season-ending injury to running back Ryan Grant in Week 1.
Rodgers threw the ball 46 times last week, completing 27 passes for 293 yards with one touchdown and one interception. He was picked off while absorbing a helmet-to-helmet hit that led to Washington’s game-winning field goal.
The Dolphins, who are coming off a bye week, also aired it out much more than they would have liked in back-to-back home losses to the New York Jets (31-23) and New England Patriots (41-14).
Chad Henne has thrown for over 300 yards in both losses as Miami was forced to play from behind against their two AFC East rivals.
The Dolphins dominated the first half against the Patriots but held just a 7-6 lead. New England broke the game open in the second half behind its special teams and defense, returning a kickoff, a blocked field goal and an interception for touchdowns.
The Patriots also blocked a punt that led to a touchdown and, ultimately, the dismissal of Miami special teams coach John Bonamego.
The Dolphins are splitting the rushing workload between Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams, who both are averaging over four yards per carry. They could have a more prominent role against a banged-up Packers defense.
Wideout Brandon Marshall is Henne’s favorite target with a team-high 27 receptions, but he has found the end zone just once for Miami, which is 2-0 on the road this season.