Jermichael Finley‘s future in football has been in question ever since the Green Bay tight end suffered a spinal contusion that left him temporarily paralyzed, but Finley is taking the necessary steps to ensure his return to the gridiron.
On Wednesday, Finley’s agent, Blake Baratz announced that the tight end will undergo spinal fusion surgery.
Although former Packers tight end Mark Chmura predicted that Finley’s playing days would be over after talking with the 26-year-old and learning he would be going under the knife, Finley’s agent has released a statement detailing that the specific procedure isn’t ending his career, but rather it will be done in an attempt to extend it.
“We have collectively determined that while surgery may not be 100 percent necessary, it is a proactive measure that should alleviate future risks with regards to a similar episode or re-injury,” Baratz wrote in a statement. “Once surgery has been completed, Jermichael has every intention of resuming his football career, and we fully support his efforts to do so.”
Finley suffered the injury on Oct. 20 against the Cleveland Browns after taking a hit during the second half of Green Bay’s 31-13 win.
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ team neurosurgeon, Dr. Joseph Maroon, will perform the surgery.
