The Facts: Following up on the ongoing story. ... HC Mike McCarthy expressed optimism Friday that Finley, an unrestricted free agent, will be able to resume his NFL career and hope that the team would be able to re-sign the tight end. "I'm very open and optimistic about Jermichael coming back," McCarthy said.

Diehards Line: The 26-year-old Finley, who suffered a bruised spinal cord on Oct. 20 and underwent single fusion cervical spine surgery in November, is set to become a free agent on March 11. He has not yet been cleared by the doctor who performed the surgery, Steelers doctor Joseph Maroon, but McCarthy indicated in an interview Friday that the Packers' team doctor, Patrick McKenzie, is encouraged by Finley's prognosis. Finley's agent claims clearance should come soon. Earlier this week, Finley, who has been rehabbing diligently, posted to his Twitter account that he is weighing in at 260 pounds with only 10 percent body fat. Finley, who signed only a two-year, $14 million deal the last time he was on the verge of free agency in February 2012, had caught 25 passes for 300 yards and three touchdowns at the time of his injury.