Packers Could Get Harris Back by Early November

As if getting a season-saving win wasn't good enough, the Green Bay Packers received more good news Monday when doctors told injured cornerback Al Harris that his spleen was showing "significant improvement". Packers' coach Mike McCarthy said that Harris could return to game action as soon as November 2.

"Obviously we are moving in the right direction," McCarthy said. "So, we'll see what the other doctors' opinions [are]. That's just one doctor's opinion. We'll send his results out and get back more information. I think he will be hard-pressed to make it this week, but I think after the bye is realistic."

The Packers, if additional tests hold up, will be more than happy to welcome back their Pro Bowl cornerback. Harris, whose spleen was lacerated in Green Bay's loss to the Dallas Cowboys, was originally feared to be lost for the season.

"I'm definitely anxious to get back out there. I think I can help," Harris said, noting how well back-up Tramon Williams has played along side Charles Woodson. "The guys are doing a great job, but I'm anxious."

The Packers' secondary has been decimated by injuries early in the season, but it is slowly getting healthy. Safety Atari Bigby could be ready to play Sunday against Indianapolis; if not, he will be an almost certainty to play after the bye the following week. Bigby has been nursing a hamstring injury that has kept him out since the Packers' week two win at Detroit.

Also, Woodson played without a pain-killing injection last Sunday for the first time since he injured his toe, another welcomed sign of healing for Green Bay.

"The toe felt good today," Woodson said after Sunday's 27-17 win in Seattle. "No injections were needed, so even though I've played through, the toe must be continuing to heal."