Packers head coach Mike Sherman described the intensity of Monday's 32-29 loss to the Carolina Panthers, which featured two teams needing a victory and playing on the primetime stage of Monday Night Football.
"It was as physical a game as I can remember on both sides of the ball," Sherman said on Tuesday.
The physical nature shows the Packers continue to work hard at digging themselves out an 0-4 hole but may also have led to an array of Packers injuries.
Rookie Terrence Murphy, leveled by Thomas Davis during a second quarter punt return, suffered neck trauma. He remains in a Charlotte, N.C. hospital.
"He's doing better," Sherman said.
Director of Player Development Turner Gill stayed with him, and they both will fly back to Green Bay, Wis. on Wednesday.
Doctors are examining running back Ahman Green, who took a hit on his quadriceps during the game. Linebacker Na'il Diggs, who strained the medial collateral ligament in his left knee during training camp, injured his right MCL and could miss several weeks.
Along the offensive line, left tackle Chad Clifton has a swollen ankle.
"He has a chance to play this week if we can get the swelling down," Sherman said.
Sherman said center Mike Flanagan suffered a muscle hernia and likely will miss this Sunday's game versus the New Orleans Saints.
On a more positive injury note, tight end Bubba Franks (knee) may return to action on Sunday.
"I'm hopeful," Sherman said. "That's not a guarantee."
Although the Packers have mounting injuries and an 0-4 record, they can take some solace in the fact that everyone in the NFC North has a losing record. Sherman and the team, however, have one focus.
"More so than our division, our concern is to win the next ballgame," he said.
