All the news coming out of Green Bay this week was that veteran cornerback Al Harris would be poised to make a return this week after missing the first six weeks of the season as he works his way back from a torn ACL.

But according to a league source, Harris will have to wait at least one more week. The Packers have decided not to promote Harris from the physically unable to perform list for Sunday night’s game against the NFC North rival Minnesota Vikings. It was thought Harris would return and perhaps claim the nickel back role.

The Packers needed to promote Harris by this afternoon to make him eligible for the game. According to the Green Bay Press-Gazette, veteran safety Atari Bigby and rookie running back James Starks, also on PUP, will also have to wait to have their fates determined. Per Rob Demovsky, it was unlikely Starks would be promoted, but Bigby is expected to help an injury-worn defense. He’s been working his way back from ankle surgery.

“I feel good, but I don’t know what’s what,” Harris told Demovsky. “However the process goes, I’m for it. If it’s this week or next week or however the process goes, I’m ready for it.

“Of course, I would love to play, am eager to play, but at the same time I’m respective of the process and the decision making. They’ve been good to me. They told me to get well and however long it takes, just get better. As un-loyal as this business is, I thought that was a pretty heads up move by them.”

It appears the Packers will have one player to place on injured reserve to clear room for Harris or Bigby next week. Demovsky reports that fullback Mike Neal will miss the remainder of the season with a torn rotator cuff in his shoulder.

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Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune

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