Green Bay Packers’ tight end Martellus Bennett and his agent are being tight lipped about his release on Wednesday for not disclosing an injury. Coach Mike McCarthy said he did not know until nine days ago that Bennett had an injured shoulder — and that was three days after the ten year veteran wrote on Instagram that he might retire after this season. It’s not clear when or how Bennett was hurt, but he has not taken snaps since Green Bay’s October 22nd home loss to New Orleans — and he’s now on waivers with a chance of being claimed this (Thursday) afternoon. The 30-year-old Bennett signed a three year, 21-million dollar contract this spring, after he helped New England win a Super Bowl — and if he retires, reports say the Packers might try to make him pay back two thirds of his signing bonus, or four-point-two million dollars, as he leaves up to 13-million on the table. Bennett was expected to be a major target for Aaron Rodgers — but he only had 24 catches for 233 yards and no touchdowns.
Packers’ linebacker Joe Thomas returns to practice after sitting out Monday night’s loss to Detroit with a bad ankle. Thomas was limited at Wednesday’s session — as were linebackers Ahmad Brooks and Nick Perry, and utility offensive lineman Justin McCray. Perry was back on the injury report with a foot issue — McCray expects to play Sunday at Chicago after hurting an ankle late in the Lions’ game — and McCarthy ruled safety Morgan Burnett out for Sunday with the groin injury from Monday night. Six Bears did not practice Wednesday — including linebacker Danny Trevathan with a calf injury. Meanwhile, Las Vegas now has Chicago as a five and a half point favorite — the first time the Bears have been favored in their Green Bay rivalry since 2008.
