A torn pectoral muscle suffered in Green Bay's 37-31 victory over the Detroit Lions will sideline defensive end Vonnie Holliday for a minimum of six to eight weeks, Packers GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman announced Monday.
Even worse for the Packers, Holliday could be out for the season if forced to undergo surgery to reattach or otherwise repair the muscle.
Holliday left Sunday's game after he sustained the injury making a tackle. Initially thought to be only a strain, an MRI performed later revealed the tear. Further tests next week will determine whether or not the injury requires surgery.
Starting safety Antuan Edwards, who suffered a broken bone in his lower forearm, will also miss a considerable amount of time. Although doctors have ruled that the injury can heal on its own and will not require the insertion of a metal plate to add stability, Edwards is still expected to be out of action for three to four weeks.
On a positive note, fullback William Henderson, who left Sunday's game with a strained medial collateral ligament, might be healthier than first thought. Originally considered a three to six week injury, Henderson told Sherman that he expects to be ready to play this weekend when the Packers host the Carolina Panthers.
Sherman said he would take a "wait-and-see" approach with Henderson's injury, as he would with tight end David Martin's concussion, offensive guard Marco Rivera's MCL strain and wide receiver Javon Walker's quadriceps contusion.
Sherman said he would be able to slide Joe Johnson into Holliday's 'power end' position if necessary, but that he expected rookie fifth-round draft choice Aaron Kampman to play a major backup role.
"Obviously missing a player of Vonnie's magnitude is significant, but I feel confident with the way we're going to handle this," Sherman said. "I have confidence in Aaron Kampman. I really believe in that kid. He might not be as physically gifted as Vonnie, but he's a very strong, powerful man."
Holliday, the 19th overall selection of the 1998 NFL Draft, has appeared in 12-or-more games in each of his four previous seasons. Last year Holliday started all 16 regular season games en route to an 81-tackle, 7-sack season.
