Injured Packers S Charles Woodson just wants to play

This is not how injured Packers S Charles Woodson has wanted to spend the past two months. (US Presswire)

At 36 years old, Packers S Charles Woodson knows he only has so many games left in his career. And he hates nothing more than watching from the sidelines.

But that's where Woodson has been the past two months since breaking his collarbone in Week 7. He also broke a collarbone two years ago in the Super Bowl.

“I don't think there's any ideal situation. I just want to get in a game,” Woodson said Friday. “It's been way too long. I've been watching too much football from the sideline. Even though they're great seats, I'd much rather be playing."

Woodson has wanted to play the past couple of weeks and was hoping to get in against the Titans on Sunday. But coach Mike McCarthy ruled him out, only saying that Woodson "is going to play as soon as he's ready."

The closest Woodson has come was two weeks ago when he thought he'd be cleared, but doctors decided against it. He's been limited in practice, mostly playing wide receiver on the scout team and going through some noncontact drills.

The Packers have the No. 3 seed in the NFC, and hope to move up and get a byewhich would help players get healthy for the playoffs.

Woodson is glad his team has won eight of its last nine games. He said he was happy with the play of the young players on defense, including those that have stepped up to replace him, but he's confident he won't miss a beat when he steps back on the field.

“Whenever the time comes, I know how to play football,” he said. “That's one thing you don't (forget). Just because you have time off, doesn't mean you forget how to play the game. I know how to play the game. I know the defense, and so when that time comes, I'll be ready.”