Green Bay Packers starting inside linebacker Nick Barnett will receive a second opinion on his injured wrist, but the team doesn't expect good news and is preparing to be without him for the rest of the season, a league source said Thursday.
Barnett was injured during Sunday's 28-26 victory over the Detroit Lions, and X-rays during the game were negative. But further tests showed damage that confirmed reports of Barnett likely requiring season-ending surgery.
Desmond Bishop likely will move into Barnett's spot, the source said. Brandon Chillar, who is recovering from a shoulder injury, also could work there, but he typically rotates with fellow inside linebacker A.J. Hawk. Brady Popinga has been moved to inside linebacker from outside to provide depth in light of Barnett's situation.
Packers coach Mike McCarthy said Wednesday there is "definitely a possibility" that Barnett could be out for an extended period of time. McCarthy confirmed that Barnett and Chillar are receiving second opinions this week.
The Packers also are hurting at safety. Rookie Morgan Burnett tore an anterior cruciate ligament against the Lions and is out for the season. And veteran Nick Collins had to sit out practice Wednesday because of a nagging knee injury, making his status for Sunday's game against the Washington Redskins unclear.
The Packers placed Burnett on season-ending injury reserve and signed linebacker Maurice Simpkin from the practice squad.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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