Green Bay Packers' Al Harris released as expected
Al Harris was hit by the news that he had been expecting all week. On Monday, 8 November, the Green Bay Packers cornerback, who has been nursing a rash of injuries, was released by the team.
According to a text message received by Milwaukee’s ESPN 540 on Sunday, a frustrated but fully aware and understanding Harris assumed that he would no longer be with the organization by week’s end.
“Yes, that is what they are going to do,” the two-time Pro Bowler said of the team’s plans to eventually release him, according to the report. “I lost my job to injury, but I have only good things to say
about Green Bay and everyone I worked with.”
The 13-year veteran out of Texas A&M-Kingsville had previously been listed on the Packers’ physically unable to perform (PUP) list. He was trying to recover and return following a number of injuries to his
knee and leg, which have sidelined him for nearly the past year.
Harris, who had been practicing with the team since 19 October, placed his faith in the hands of the Packers’, who he joined in 2003 after five seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles. Because of a league-implemented
deadline, the team was forced to either put Harris on the injured reserve list (ruling him ineligible to play for the remainder of the season), or release him. Unfortunately, they made their decision Monday, sending the veteran packing.
Although the injured defensive back remained pessimistic about his situation, head coach Mike McCarthy had not yet made up his mind about Harris’ status, even after this weekend's game against the Dallas
Cowboys.
“We haven’t made a decision on Al yet,” McCarthy said following Sunday night's contest. However, the team's judgement was handed down Monday afternoon.
Still, even without the striking blow, it had been apparent that Harris’ teammates could sense his frustration and disappointment.
“It’s killing him,” friend and former fellow Packer defensive back Atari Bigby told reporters. “He’s very frustrated. Naturally anybody would be. He’s been practicing, and of course he wants to play. It’s
a frustrating situation for him.”
But, like Harris, Bigby was aware that the choice was out of his hands. “I think he can definitely be a big asset to our team,” the Packers safety said, “but I’m not the one who makes the decisions.”
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