Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews has dealt with hamstring issues of various severity in each of his five NFL seasons. He doesn't expect the current injury to keep him out of Sunday's game versus the Detroit Lions.
"Yes, I plan to play," Matthews said Thursday, via the team's official website. "I'll be out there this Sunday. It's feeling good."
Packers coach Mike McCarthy is "optimistic" that his best pass rusher will be available after a full practice Thursday.
The Packers were reminded of Matthews' value when Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton posted a 152.9 passer rating on 15 second-half passes with the four-time Pro Bowl selection on the sidelines in Week 3.
More injury updates from around the league:
- Although Jairus Byrd was inactive for Thursday night's game versus the Browns, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reports the Buffalo Bills free safety is expected to make his 2013 debut in Week 6 against the Bengals.
- Darren McFadden (hamstring) missed Oakland Raiders practice again. Coach Dennis Allen said there's still a chance his starting tailback will play Sunday against the Chargers even if he misses Friday's practice.
- The availability of Rob Gronkowski (back) and Danny Amendola (groin) remains a mystery after both participated on a limited basis during the New England Patriots' practice Thursday. Ditto for Stevan Ridley, who missed practice again with a thigh bruise.
- Chicago Bears coach Marc Trestman is optimistic that Brandon Marshall (foot) will play Sunday against the New Orleans Saints despite missing practice again Thursday.
- Falcons left tackle Sam Baker (knee) and middle linebacker Akeem Dent (ankle) have been ruled out for "Monday Night Football" versus the New York Jets. Atlanta running back Steven Jackson (thigh) has yet to resume practicing.
- Dallas Cowboys receiver Miles Austin (hamstring) seems likely to miss a second consecutive game after sitting out practice again Thursday.
- San Francisco 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis (groin) is expected to be a game-time decision for "Sunday Night Football" versus the Houston Texans.
The "Around The League Podcast" handed out our quarter season awards this week.