Here are a couple of sentences no Green Bay Packers fan wants to read in December: Cornerback Charles Woodson left practice Wednesday because of a sprained ankle. Coach Mike McCarthy confirmed the injury but had no information on its severity.

We'll hold off on a full-scale panic until at least Thursday, when McCarthy presumably will have a better handle on Woodson's prognosis. Remember, Woodson has missed only two games in five seasons with the Packers, both in 2007.

Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that some players didn't notice Woodson leave the practice field, suggesting it was not a catastrophic injury. But if nothing else, the episode is a reminder that the Packers are living a bit dangerously in their defensive backfield.

After waiving veteran Al Harris last month, the Packers entered the playoff push with rookie Sam Shields playing in the nickel. The other cornerbacks on the roster include fellow starter Tramon Williams, Pat Lee (who has missed the past two games and did not practice Wednesday because of an ankle injury), Brandon Underwood and Josh Gordy. Jarrett Bush, currently practicing at safety, has also played cornerback. Stay tuned.