The Green Bay Packers finally got the news they have been waiting for when it was announced Tuesday that safety Charles Woodson has been given the green light to return from a broken collarbone.

Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports Packers coach Mike McCarthy shared the news. Woodson has been out 10 weeks since being injured against the St. Louis Rams on Oct. 21, longer than the team expected. Many believed he would return during the middle of last month when Green Bay played against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field, but he didn’t get approval from the club’s medical staff.

What’s curious is the status of wide receiver Jordy Nelson, who was not present for practice. Nelson played in Sunday’s loss to the Minnesota Vikings at the Metrodome after missing time with a hamstring injury. There was no indication he was re-injured in the game. He’s obviously crucial to Aaron Rodgers and the offense.

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Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune