Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy told reporters Monday that tight end Jermichael Finley will be placed on injured reserve, ending any hopes of him making a comeback from knee surgery later this season.
It's more bad news for the Packers, who have been hit hard by injuries this season.
"It's like getting stuck with a Needle in the eye," Finley tweeted Monday.
The move confirms NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora's Wednesday report that the team was preparing to place the 23-year-old tight end on the IR as early as last week.
McCarthy said Monday having Finley sit out the remainder of the season is in the player's best interest.
Finley's roster spot will go to safety Anthony Smith, whom the Packers acquired in a Monday trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Packers will have a tough time replacing Finley, who was expected to have a breakout season in 2010. He had 21 catches for 301 yards with one touchdown and was in many respects becoming the focal point of Green Bay's passing game.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
