Shoulder injury unlikely to sideline Packers' Jake Kumerow for long

Tom Silverstein
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

GREEN BAY – Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jake Kumerow’s injury is worse than was first thought, but there are signs it is not serious enough to keep him sidelined for long.

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jake Kumerow (16) catches a pass as Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Artie Burns (25) defends in an NFL preseason game at Lambeau Field on Thursday, August 16, 2018 in Green Bay, Wis.

A source said he suffered an SC joint sprain and was waiting for test results to see the degree of the injury.

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Coach Mike McCarthy said he would know more on Monday after Kumerow returns from a day off. However, it’s expected he’ll begin rehab on the area right away and so McCarthy should know Kumerow’s status sooner than that.

Kumerow said he suffered a stinger when he did a somersault into the end zone at the end of his 82-yard reception from quarterback DeShone Kizer against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday night.

An SC injury usually occurs when taking a hit to the chest, putting stress on the area where the clavicle and chest meet. Kumerow’s dive ended with him somersaulting so that his back hit the ground first and he was able to roll back onto his feet.

The injury he suffered is not as common as an AC sprain, which occurs at the end of the shoulder joint, usually from a direct hit on the shoulder or the force absorbed by an outstretched arm during a fall.

Kumerow caught the ball at the 29-yard line, spun around and had a safety to beat 20 yards down the field. He juked the safety and then raced the rest of the way untouched for the touchdown.

He decided to dive at the last second.

“I saw that he (the safety) was getting close, and obviously I ran a long way and I was tired,” Kumerow said. “I was running, and running and running and then when I got to the end zone I was like, ‘Arrghh … I’m diving in.’”

Kumerow has been the surprise of training camp. After spending two-plus years on practice squads, he finally has a legitimate chance at winning a roster spot.

Kumerow has six catches for a team-leading 190 yards (31.6) average and two touchdowns. He has made a strong case to be the No. 4 receiver and if he misses a week or so, it might not affect his chances of making the 53-man roster.

It’s unclear if it could put his availability for the Sept. 9 regular-season opener in question.

McCarthy gave no update on running back Jamaal Williams (ankle) and guard Justin McCray (calf), both of whom were hurt Thursday night.