Aaron Rodgers: 'Jermichael Finley injury was worst nightmare'

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has admitted that it was "tough" to see tight end Jermichael Finley carried off the field with an injury he described as a football player's "worst nightmare".

Finley picked up the injury during his side's 31-13 win over the Cleveland Browns yesterday when safety Tashaun Gipson made contact with his head at the end of a 10-yard reception.

The game was delayed for six minutes while Finley received treatment for a neck injury, and Rodgers revealed that centre Evan Dietrich-Smith felt compelled to give his side a talk shortly before play resumed.

"There's not a whole lot to be said. Actually, Evan spoke up after that and said a few words. But it's a reminder how tough this game is. We put our bodies on the line, our future health on the line and obviously with Jermichael he was playing really well," ESPN quotes Rodgers as saying.

"He's a great friend, great teammate. He's had a very good year for us. Injuries are a part of the game. But those are tough to see.

"Not being able to walk off the field I know, in the back of our minds, is kind of our worst nightmare."

The incident was the second time that Finley has been forced out of a match due to an illegal hit this season, having suffered concussion at the hands of Cincinnati Bengals safety George Iloka in week three.