National Football League

Packers DE Neal to miss 'significant' time

Published Sep. 14, 2011 10:36 p.m. ET

foxsports

Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy says defensive end Mike Neal will miss a ''significant'' amount of time after having surgery this week.

There's still hope for Neal to return this season. McCarthy doesn't think he'll go on injured reserve.

Neal hurt his left knee during a non-contact drill in training camp. Coming off a season-ending shoulder injury, Neal was widely expected to play an increased role after Cullen Jenkins left as a free agent.

Jarius Wynn, a sixth-round pick in 2009 who was waived and later re-signed last season, took Neal's place against New Orleans - although the Packers often use just two defensive linemen, B.J. Raji and Ryan Pickett, in their nickel defense.

Cornerback Tramon Williams, who has a right shoulder bruise, did not practice Wednesday.