Green Bay Packers Pro Bowl tight end Jimmy Graham is on the mend after suffering a broken thumb against the Seattle Seahawks that was initially supposed to put him on the shelf for the next several weeks.
However, Graham has vouched to continue to play through the injury despite it likely requiring surgery. It doesn't appear it has hampered him just yet as he was able to go through practice Thursday without a hitch. Packers head coach Mike McCarthy said the soon-to-be 32-year-old was able to catch the ball without any limitations:
Although it is quite early in the process, this does bring some light to the possibility that Graham will be able to avoid missing any playing time due to the injury. He has already voiced that he plans to play through the ailment as the team has given him some extra protection on his thumb in order to help him avoid any issues.
In his first campaign with the Packers, Graham has made 34 catches on 56 targets for 452 receiving yards and a pair of touchdowns, though his production has tailed off in the last few weeks as he has recorded fewer than 30 receiving yards three times in the last four games played. He has been able to remain a factor in the passing game, but his role hasn't quite been what was hoped as he has proven throughout his career to be a major threat in the red zone.
However, this is something that could change over the last six games of the season, especially with the Packers looking to get back on track with their playoff chances dwindling. Green Bay is in a tough spot, currently sitting a few games back of the Chicago Bears for the NFC North division lead.
Ultimately, Graham's status for this week's game against the Minnesota Vikings will be clearer over the next couple of days.