GREEN BAY – Clay Matthews, Charles Woodson and Greg Jennings won’t play Sunday against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field, but the Green Bay Packers’ three injured stars aren’t far away from being back on the field, based on coach Mike McCarthy’s post-practice comments about them Wednesday.

Wide receiver Jordy Nelson, meanwhile, appears a safe bet to play against the Lions, barring an injury in practice this week.

Here’s the official Wednesday injury report:

Woodson hasn’t played since breaking his collarbone at St. Louis Oct. 14; Jennings hasn’t played since Sept. 30 against New Orleans but is recovering from Core Muscle Injury surgery; Matthews pulled his hamstring Nov. 4 against Arizona.

Asked about ruling out Matthews, McCarthy replied: “I know Clay is not going to be available this week and we'll see what next what brings us. He was diagnosed as couple weeks away and this will be his second week. We’ll see what happens next week.”

As for Jennings and Woodson, McCarthy made it sound like a return next week to face the New York Giants on Nov. 25 at MetLife Stadium isn’t out of the question.

“They’re all trying to get back as fast as they can,” McCarthy said. “I had a chance to watch Charles Woodson yesterday in the weight room. He’s a lot closer than I think any of us thought he would be at this time. Same with Greg Jennings, his workouts are going very well. But there’s protocol there’s rehab protocol that these guys are going through.

“The combination of the player and the medical staff, and trying to make sure when they do come back they’re ready to go. We’re focused on just getting 46 guys ready to win this game Sunday.”

McCarthy said he was encouraged by what he saw from Nelson, who hurt his hamstring in advance of the team’s Oct. 28 game against Jacksonville, missed that game, then injured his foot/ankle against the Cardinals.

“I thought Jordy Nelson looked his old self,” McCarthy said. “I don't have a very high or any level of concern. He practiced well. He looked normal.”