Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy has revealed that he hasn't closed the door completely on tight end Jermichael Finley's future at the club.
Finley sustained a neck injury in the 2013 season which forced him to undergo spinal fusion surgery, leaving doubts over whether he could continue his NFL career.
However, McCarthy has admitted that the club's doctor Pat McKenzie feels the 26-year-old's fate may not be the same of that of safety Nick Collins, who was released two years ago.
"Pat doesn't feel the same way about Jermichael as he felt about Nick," McCarthy told reporters. "So I'm very open and optimistic about Jermichael coming back. I think the specifics of their injuries are different."
Finley had 25 receptions for 300 yards in the 2013 season, scoring three touchdowns.