Derek

Sherrod

Green Bay had no doubtful or questionable players on their injury report, with Zombo, Neal and Collins each previously listed as out. Sherrod, the No. 32 overall pick, is a healthy scratch.

"(Sherrod’s) there (at the facility) every day,” McCarthy said. “He looks better every time I see him. They’re projecting probably training camp, so we’ll know more when we get to OTAs. Hopefully, he can get out there in June and do something.” It’s been suggested Green Bay’s 2011 first-round pick might not play at all in 2012, but that appears to be an overly gloomy prognosis. However, he is a candidate to begin the year on the PUP list.

The Journal-Sentinel suggested in February that Sherrod might not play at all in 2012, and GM Ted Thompson has taken steps to replace him by scheduling Demetrius Bell for a free agent visit. Sherrod was overmatched in his first preseason and five regular-season games. The Packers can’t count on him.

The injury is almost certainly season-ending, as Sherrod appeared to break his ankle when Tamba Hali fell on his lower leg. He was already fitted with an air cast on the field. With starter Bryan Bulaga (knee) in street clothes, Evan Dietrich-Smith is coming on. Coach Mike McCarthy confirmed after the game that Sherrod is out for the season.

Sherrod is done for the year. Starter Bryan Bulaga sustained a knee sprain of unknown severity as well on Sunday, leaving the Packers suddenly thin at the tackle spot. Evan Dietrich-Smith came on at left guard, pushing T.J. Lang out to right tackle.

The Packers’ 2011 first-round pick underwent emergency surgery after breaking his right tibia and fibula in Week 15. Sherrod’s health coupled with Marshall Newhouse’s inconsistent play could compel the Packers to retain aging and injury-prone LT Chad Clifton.

Bulaga was drafted as Chad Clifton’s likely successor, and has the size and athleticism to make the transition. Incumbent starter Marshall Newhouse is coming off a rocky first season, and 2011 first-round pick Derek Sherrod’s availability is in question after suffering a severe leg fracture in Week 15. Bulaga graded out as the NFL’s second best right tackle by Pro Football Focus.

Sherrod had emergency surgery in Kansas City immediately following Sunday’s loss to the Chiefs. He won’t be released until closer to the end of this week. The No. 32 pick in the draft, Sherrod suffered the compound fracture after replacing RT Bryan Bulaga, who’d already left with a knee injury. It is expected to be “months” before Sherrod is cleared for football activities.

He will be placed on injured reserve, ending his season. The procedure, in Kansas City, went a little longer than expected, but coach Mike McCarthy still labeled it successful. The No. 32 overall pick in the 2011 draft, Sherrod was slow to catch on as a rookie while being passed on the depth chart by 2010 fifth-rounder Marshall Newhouse.

Sherrod underwent surgery last December to repair a fractured tibia and fibula in his right leg. His recovery hasn’t gone smoothly, and he failed his physical to open training camp. Sherrod may open the season on reserve/PUP.