National Football League

Woodson expected to miss six weeks

Published Oct. 22, 2012 1:00 a.m. ET

Alex Marvez

The injuries continue to mount for the Green Bay Packers.

Strong safety Charles Woodson is the latest casualty. As first reported by FOXSports.com NFL insider Jay Glazer, Woodson suffered a fractured collarbone in last Sunday’s 30-20 victory over St. Louis.

The initial diagnosis for Woodson’s absence is six weeks, Glazer reported.

Coach Mike McCarthy confirmed the severity of the injury Monday, The Associated Press reported.

The Packers already were forced to play against the Rams without four other starters in nose tackle B.J. Raji (ankle), wide receiver Greg Jennings (groin), outside linebacker Nick Perry (knee) and cornerback Sam Shields (shin/ankle).

Without Woodson, the Packers (4-3) will be missing the senior leader of their defense. After 15 years as one of the NFL’s top cornerbacks, the 36-year-old Woodson made the transition to safety during the offseason.

Woodson had 38 tackles, five passes defensed and one interception in Green Bay’s first seven games. He also still possessed the coverage skill to match-up against wide receivers and tight ends on a consistent basis.

Rookie M.D. Jennings is listed as Woodson’s backup on the Packers depth chart. The other reserve safeties are Jerron McMillian and Sean Richardson.