GREEN BAY – The Green Bay Packers hosted free agent cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. on a visit Nov. 6, according to the NFL’s transaction wire.
They are one of six teams, according to NFL Network, that are meeting with Samuel to evaluate spinal surgery he had in the offseason.
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Samuel has reportedly received clearance from his doctors to resume playing after undergoing spinal fusion surgery. A second-round pick of the Los Angeles Chargers in 2021, Samuel started 43 games over his first three seasons, totaling six interceptions and 35 passes broken up.
But he missed all but four games last season due to a nerve-related injury.
He became an unrestricted free agent after the season and is attempting to return to the field with a new team.
The other teams Samuel is meeting with, according to reports, are the Carolina Panthers, Pittsburgh Steelers, San Francisco 49ers, Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears.
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A personnel official from an NFC team with possible interest said that teams want their medical staffs to see him in person before considering working him out or signing him. Samuel is looking for a place where he can play right away and prove he’s healthy, so he can test free agency again next season, the source said.
The Packers could use some cornerback depth, so it makes sense for them to explore whether Samuel is healthy enough to return and could help them this season.
The Packers have been cautious with spinal injuries and would not clear safety Nick Collins after he underwent single-level cervical fusion surgery in 2011. Collins was released the following season and did not play again in the NFL.
At the time, many doctors didn’t believe it was safe for players to return from fusion surgery, but studies were being done that showed a return to football was possible, and in the past decade increasing numbers of players have been able to return after the procedure.
This article originally appeared on Packers News: Packers bring in cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. for medical evaluation
