GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Left tackle Chad Clifton got to watch the Packers' playoff-clinching victory over the Chicago Bears from his home in Green Bay after being released from the hospital.

"He called and said he is doing a little better,'' coach Mike Sherman said. "So, that was good news on Chad Clifton.''

Clifton's season is likely over, however, as he faces a long road to recovery from the pelvis injury he sustained last week in Tampa Bay.

Clifton, however, still is experiencing considerable pain in his pelvis and is unable to walk.

Clifton was blindsided by Buccaneers defensive tackle Warren Sapp on an interception return and had to be taken off the field on a body board.

The hit was deemed legal by the NFL, but Sherman confronted Sapp after the game, saying it was unnecessarily rough and that he didn't appreciate Sapp standing over Clifton and celebrating the vicious hit.

Sapp said he was celebrating the interception and didn't taunt his fallen opponent.

The Packers will likely place Clifton on injured reserve this week and replace him on the 53-man roster.

Clifton's injuries are not considered career-threatening, but there will be further tests and Clifton faces a long rehabilitation.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.