Harris out vs. Tampa, but could return in 3 weeks

Update: Jack Bechta congratulates Al on his streak of 175 consecutive games played, and offers more details into the medical tests and recovery process:

Simply put, all opinions and analysis of the spleen trauma have come back with consistent results. There is a laceration of the Spleen which, at this point, will not require surgery. The course of action is rest to promote healing. Al will have additional CT scans taken again in a few weeks. No other time lines have been, nor will be set until after the scans have been evaluated. Therefore, we are in a “wait and see’ mode as to how well Al heals over the next few weeks.

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This is just about the best news Packers fans could have hoped for. The most recent news on Al Harris and his damaged spleen says he’ll rest (no surgery) and let the spleen heal on its own:

“The thing that we know for sure is we’ve had to totally shut him down for seven days,” [head coach Mike] McCarthy said. “So, he’ll start probably Monday morning with some form of conditioning, and it’ll just progress as we move forward. There will be some tests that are done along the way. I don’t have an exact time frame for you.”

Teammates were thrilled upon hearing the news:

“Oh, that’s a break because Al brings so much to the defense,” safety Atari Bigby said. “He’s a lockdown corner. So, anytime you have a corner like that in the game, it definitely takes the pressure off of everybody else.”

Bigby spoke with Harris a day after he sustained the injury. Bigby said Harris had mixed emotions.

“Of course he doesn’t want to be out, but he felt like he’s not going to be out the whole season,” Bigby said. “He feels good. He knows his body. So, hopefully, he’s not out the whole season.”

Of course, missing Sunday’s game will end Al’s streak of 83 consecutive starts for the Packers, and 175 consecutive appearances in an NFL game. Amazing streaks, both of them.

But we’re not going to lose too much sleep over that after worrying earlier in the week if 3irty1 would ever be allowed to step onto the gridiron again.

Again, a great day for Al and for Packers fans. Thanks again to all of Al’s fans and friends who have left notes of support. He appreciates your comments more than you know!