Chmura’s Future Uncertain

Mark Chmura’s flirtations with paralysis are becoming more frequent, and the Green Bay Packers are worried about their Pro Bowl tight end’s future.

In Green Bay’s loss to the Detroit Lions, Chmura’s hands and arms went numb for the third time in six weeks after what his teammates called a cheap shot by Lion rookie linebacker Chris Claiborne.

Team doctors were to examine Chmura, 30, Monday to determine whether it’s safe for him to continue playing. He was expected to undergo an MRI exam and other tests before deciding whether to retire, as he has been urged to do by his wife and agent.

Chmura, diagnosed with a bulging disk in his neck Aug. 5, briefly returned to the game after the hit, but left for good in the second quarter.

*

New Orleans Saint rookie running back Ricky Williams suffered a sprained right elbow in a loss at San Francisco and Coach Mike Ditka isn’t sure when Williams will be able to play again.

The Saints (1-1) are off this week, then play at Chicago on Oct. 3. Practice will resume Wednesday.

An ankle sprain knocked Williams out of the season opener.

*

Philadelphia Eagle defensive end Hugh Douglas will be sidelined four to six weeks after partially tearing a ligament in his left knee in a loss to Tampa Bay.