Green Bay Packers

Packers CB Shields in his fourth week of concussion protocol

Published Jan. 7, 2016 5:41 p.m. ET

foxsports

Green Bay Packers cornerback Sam Shields suffered a concussion in Week 14 against the Dallas Cowboys. Since then, he has struggled to complete the required process to get back on the field.

With a Wild Card game against the Washington Redskins approaching, Shields is in his fourth week of the concussion protocol.

Shields is Green Bay's top cornerback, but the team has weathered his absence well. Along with Casey Hayward, the Packers have outstanding rookies in Damarious Randall and Quinten Rollins at corner. With decent safeties and Micah Hyde manning the slot, the secondary should still be in solid shape if Shields can't play on Sunday.

Still, the Packers would prefer to have their best coverage expert in the fold against the likes of DeSean Jackson, Pierre Garçon and Jamison Crowder at wide receiver -- not to mention tight end Jordan Reed.

If Shields is out of the lineup, we'll see if Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins can take advantage of his absence.