Packers’ Shields says he hasn't given up on playing career
Veteran cornerback
came from his home in Florida to watch his Green Bay teammates play in Sunday’s NFC title game in Atlanta and afterward declared his intention to play football again.
But he also admitted he's still suffering concussion symptoms stemming from a hit he took in a Week 1 game at Jacksonville.
“It's just like some days tough headaches, some days it's mild,” Shields said in foyer inside the Georgia Dome. “It varies. I never know. I'm so used to it now, it's normal. But it's getting better. I'll be back.”
Shields suffered what is believed to be his fifth concussion and after weeks of waiting for his symptoms to get better, the Packers put him on injured reserve. He has spent almost the entire season away from his teammates, spending most of his time back home in Florida.
If ever there was a day the Packers could have used him it was Sunday when Atlanta Falcons star receiver
ripped the defense for nine catches for 180 yards and two touchdowns. Second-year pro
an undrafted free agent, was assigned to Jones and was no match, even with help from safeties.
Shields would have been assigned to Jones and at least given the Packers someone who could compete with the Falcons star's talents.
The Packers are going to have to be completely confident that Shields has overcome his concussion symptoms and even then they may decide it's in his best interest not to let him play. If that were the case, they would have to release him and Shields would be free to play with another team.
Both sides are a long way from making that decision, but Shields made it clear he doesn't want to quit.
“I just love the game and I feel like I can get back out there and play,” Shields said. “If not, not. Right now, it's just day by day.”
Shanahan Watch will last two more weeks for the coach-seeking 49ers.
With offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan dialing up plays for a high-scoring showcase, the Atlanta Falcons advanced Sunday to the Super Bowl by clinching the NFC title and routing the Green Bay Packers 44-21 in the Georgia Dome's finale.
League rules prevent the 49ers from hiring Shanahan or announce a potential deal until after Super Bowl LI in Houston on Feb. 5. However, they are allowed to meet with him a second time this week, and that will take place Friday in Atlanta, perhaps along with general manager-candidate George Paton, a league source said.
Instead of coughing up a 17-0 lead in the NFC title game like they did against the visiting 49ers four years ago, the Falcons kept showing why they're the league's highest-scoring team under Shanahan, their second-year coordinator. They led 24-0 at halftime and 31-0 early in the second half, drawing applause from not only their home crowd but several 49ers players on social media.
Shanahan, 37, has never previously been a head coach, although his father, Mike, won back-to-back Super Bowls with the Broncos.