Packers dedicated victory to WR Ferguson
ASSOCIATED PRESS
This one was for Fergie.
The Green Bay Packers dedicated their 34-31, division-clinching victory over Minnesota on Christmas Eve to wide receiver Robert Ferguson, who is still experiencing numbness on his left side a week after a clothesline hit by Donovin Darius that drew a $75,000 fine from the NFL.
As the Packers celebrated their third straight NFC North crown, they carried coaches' greaseboards inscribed with "Ferg 89" and "4 U Fergie."
Ferguson didn't make the trip after taking a vicious hit that left him temporarily paralyzed below the waist and in the hospital for two days. His return this season is uncertain.
Ferguson gave his teammates a pep talk at Lambeau Field on Thursday before they flew to Minneapolis. Even though he stayed back, the Packers set up his locker at the Metrodome with his No. 89 jersey as though he were going to play.
And coach Mike Sherman awarded Ferguson a game ball after the Packers triumphed on Ryan Longwell's fourth game-winning field goal in the last seven weeks.
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