Defensive lineman Warren Brinson is officially out for the Packers’ Sunday contest against the New York Jets, a brutal start to the season given he hasn’t even practiced yet. But the bigger worry? Star defensive lineman Javon Hargrave is now in concussion protocol after Week 1’s action. That’s a huge blow right out of the gate for the defense.
Who Steps Up With Hargrave Sidelined?
Head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed Hargrave’s status, and after being limited on Wednesday, he was a total non-participant Thursday and Friday. This kind of hit to one position, especially a crucial one like the defensive line, usually spells trouble. But Green Bay actually loaded up on D-linemen early this season, so they still roll five healthy guys deep into the Jets game. Devonte Wyatt, Karl Brooks, and Jonathan Ford are locked in as starters for their 3-4 defense, just like they were in Week 1. Look for third-round rookie Chris McClellan to be the top backup, filling that Hargrave void. And get ready, because preseason star Anthony Campbell is set to make his NFL regular season debut after being a healthy scratch against the Vikings. He’s gotta bring the juice!
More Limited Practice, More Questions
It’s not just the defensive line taking hits. Right tackle Zach Bako-Bewele and left guard Aaron Banks are both dealing with knee issues and were limited in practice. On the edge, Lukas Van Ness is also in concussion protocol, and cornerback Benjamin St-Juste got added to the report Friday with a hamstring injury that kept him limited. St-Juste wasn’t even on the report earlier in the week, so that’s a fresh concern. The good news for the O-line is Green Bay has 10 linemen on the 53-man roster, so they can absorb Bako-Bewele and Banks without dipping into the practice squad. But if Van Ness can’t go, the edge defender position looks thin. Barryn Sorrell, Brenton Cox Jr., and rookie Dani Dennis-Sutton are the only other edge guys on the 53. We’re talking practice squad call-ups here, with rookie Nyjalik Kelly or special teams ace Arron Mosby likely candidates. That decision usually drops on Saturday.
A Glimmer of Hope, Plus Jets’ Own Woes
Not all the news is bad for the Packers. Linebacker Ty’Ron Hopper (Achilles), edge defender Barryn Sorrell (foot), and defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt (ankle) were all cleared for Sunday’s game. Hopper missing Week 1 meant Kristian Welch got called up, so having him back is big. As for practice squad moves, an edge rusher is almost certainly coming up, and possibly cornerback Domani Jackson if St-Juste’s hamstring is a real problem. Meanwhile, the Jets have their own headaches. They’ve already ruled out receiver Omar Cooper Jr. (ankle), safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (groin), running back/returner Kene Nwangwu (back), and edge defender Joseph Ossai (foot). So it’s not like the Packers are the only team dealing with significant absences.
This Sunday’s game against the Jets is going to be a real test of depth for the Packers, especially on that defensive front. With key guys out and others limited, every player needs to step up. We’ll find out Saturday who gets the call-up from the practice squad. It’s time to see what these young guys are made of!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Acme Packing Company.
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