GREEN BAY, Wis. -- The Green Bay Packers have released wide

receiver Terrence Murphy after he failed to recover from a bruised

spinal cord sustained in a game against Carolina last Oct. 3 when

he was hit helmet-to-helmet by the Panthers' Thomas Davis on a

kickoff return.

Team officials told Murphy earlier this week they intended to

fail him on his physical. Murphy, who was placed on injured reserve

three days after the injury, had said he was healthy enough to play

but the Packers decided against passing him on his physical after

reviewing medical reports.

"After several tests and consultations, we have concluded that

Terrence will not be cleared to play for the Green Bay Packers,"

general manager Ted Thompson said in a statement.

Murphy, a second round pick in 2005 out of Texas A&M, played in

three games as a rookie, catching five passes for 36 yards and

returning five kickoffs for 91 yards.