It's probably just a matter of time until Chad Clifton is placed on injured reserve, thus officially ending his third NFL season, GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman said Friday.

"I think we're fairly close to that move," Sherman said. "I think it's pretty obvious."

Clifton has been hospitalized since Sunday's Tampa Bay game, when he had to be carted off the field after Warren Sapp's crushing hit left the offensive tackle with separated ligaments in his pelvis.

Sherman said he's held off making the move in part because he hasn't determined who will fill Clifton's spot on the 53-man roster.

Sherman visited Clifton at his Green Bay hospital Thursday.

"He was in very good spirits and it seems like he's getting better," Sherman said. "He's not quite as sore as he was earlier in the week. He has made some progress."

Also positive, Clifton seems to have escaped the hit without damage to his spinal column. Doctors believe the numbness Clifton experienced in his legs and fingers was the result of spasms, Sherman said.

Clifton could be released from the hospital this weekend.