Dan Bailey's back still doesn't feel right. But the kicker hopes to make it through Sunday's game, recover during the bye week and return to form for the final 10 weeks of the regular season.
"We're still working through it a little bit," Bailey said. "It's just one of those things we have to manage until we get to the bye week. Get some rest and do some treatment to hopefully get back to 100 percent."
Bailey experienced no discomfort until the morning of the San Francisco game on Oct. 2. His back didn't feel right and he informed the training staff immediately. He believes a soft bed was the culprit.
"I think that's what triggered it or made it flair up," said Bailey, who has never had a problem with his back before. "But obviously there was something there pre-existing I didn't know about."
Bailey didn't kick on Wednesday leading up to the Cincinnati game. It was the first practice he can remember missing for any reason in college or the NFL.
Well, he did miss part of practice in college but it had nothing to do with an injury.
"I did miss half of a practice in college to go to my graduation ceremony, but came back for the second half," Bailey said. "I was one of the first groups."
It helps when your last name begins with a "B."
The injury has forced Bailey to alter his routine heading into games. He's stretching more than he has in the past and may keep that as part of his regimen going forward.
The bigger question is this: does he intend to sleep on the floor of the team hotel the night before the Green Bay game?
"I don't know," Bailey said. "The last time we were there they had the Sleep Number beds, so hopefully I can dial it in."
