Nick Collins Injury Update: Packers Would Survive at Safety if He Can't Suit Up

Most Packers fans were already nervous enough in Week 2 because their championship-caliber team was playing poorly against a 2-14 Panthers squad from a year ago, but when Nick Collins departed on a stretcher, all of Wisconsin held their breath.

It would be a huge blow to the Pack's superior secondary if the three-time Pro Bowler couldn't return this season, but after watching the way his neck bent on an awkward play, it appeared his career could be in jeopardy.

Like many fellow players who have left the field in the same manner, Collins gave the crowd a quick wave as he exited and was taken to the hospital for overnight evaluation as a precaution.

Recent reports from NFL.com and CBS revealed some promising news about one of the league's top safeties. Collins is moving well, feeling good and all tests have been negative, meaning he will probably be good to go in Week 3 in Chicago against the arch rival Bears.

However, if he can't play the Pack would still look promising at his position. Charlie Peprah, who filled in for the injured Morgan Burnett at strong safety last season, was gifted with a new two-year deal back in March and has proven he is very capable in coverage.

Peprah filled in for Collins against Carolina and came up with two tackles. In 2010, he recorded 58 tackles and two interceptions.

The coaching staff certainly shouldn't rush to get the hard-hitting Collins back in action even if he seems capable, but fortunately for once, the injury didn't turn out to be nearly as bad as it looked on Sunday.