Packers' Mike McCarthy: No long-term concerns on Clay Matthews' broken nose

Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy jokingly critiqued Clay Matthews' softball technique after the linebacker sustained a broken nose during a charity game.

Matthews' face was on the receiving end of a line drive from Packers offensive lineman Lucas Patrick during Saturday's Green & Gold Charity Softball Game. The 6-foot-3, 255-pound Matthews announced the following day that surgery will be required.

"I think he needs to work on his off-hand, mitt side, on the release of the ball," McCarthy joked on Monday, per ESPN. "So that's what the tape showed me.

"It's a charity [game], but most importantly, we don't have any long-term concerns. We're talking about scheduling surgery probably midweek. So it's unfortunate but it's for a great cause, I'm just glad he's OK."

Matthews confirmed his health over social media.

"Thank you for all the concern and well-wishes," the 32-year-old Matthews tweeted. "I busted my nose pretty good and will have surgery once the swelling subsides. Thankful as it could have been much more serious."

McCarthy said he has no issue with players continuing the charity event despite Matthews' injury.

"I am [OK with the game]," McCarthy said. "I think it's great on a number of fronts. Anytime your players give back, charity involved in the community, that's a great day for the fans, I mean they sell it out every year. ... Yeah, I'm not going to overreact to this."

Matthews and Packers wide receiver Davante Adams took over as co-hosts of the event after Jordy Nelson was released by the club.

A six-time Pro Bowl selection, Matthews recorded 44 tackles and 7.5 sacks in 14 games last season. He has 439 tackles and a franchise-best 80 sacks in 127 career contests since the Packers selected him with the 26th overall pick of the 2009 NFL Draft out of USC.

The 2018 campaign represents the final year of Matthews' five-year, $66 million contract. He could earn up to $11.4 million in salary and bonuses next season.