Packers' Mayes Out Indefinitely

Packers wide receiver Derrick Mayes, who had just begun to emerge as a top wideout threat for quarterback Brett Favre, is out indefinitely after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right knee Thursday.

Packers team physician Dr. Patrick McKenzie performed the procedure, which confirmed damage to both posterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments, as well as a lateral meniscus tear. The anterior cruciate ligament appears stable.

"He will return to play when his strength, stability and function return to normal," said Packers coach Mike Holmgren.

The 24-year-old Mayes suffered the injury while returning a punt in the fourth quarter of Monday night's 37-24 setback to the Minnesota Vikings, ending Green Bay's 25-game home winning streak.

A second-round draft pick from Notre Dame in 1996, Mayes had only 24 catches in his first two seasons. But he already had 15 catches for 191 yards and three scores in his first five games this year. Mayes had a breakout game against the Carolina Panthers in Week 4, catching five passes for 87 yards and three touchdowns in Green Bay's 37-30 victory.

Mayes had been seeing more time with the first team as Robert Brooks battled a back injury. Tyrone Davis, who splits time between wide receiver and tight end, could see more time aa wideout.

Green Bay is idle this week before playing at Detroit next Thursday.

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