The Green Bay Packers just got hit with a gut punch right to their defensive line, as Javon Hargrave’s concussion status took a sharp turn for the worse on Thursday. After being listed as a limited participant for Wednesday’s practice due to a concussion, his status got downgraded to being a non-participant on Thursday. This is a huge blow for a player who came into the year already dealing with a knee injury.
Concussion Protocol Chaos Hits Green Bay
Head coach Matt LaFleur clarified before Thursday’s practice that both Hargrave and Lukas Van Ness, another player who surprisingly popped up with a concussion status on Wednesday, entered the league’s concussion protocol from contact sustained in Sunday’s game. It wasn’t some practice mishap. But for Hargrave, it feels like things are just spiraling downward. The only other non-participant on Thursday was defensive lineman Warren Brinson, out with a calf issue, who was inactive for their Week 1 clash against the Minnesota Vikings.
The Packers’ injury report isn’t short on concerns elsewhere either. Left guard Aaron Banks is still “touch and go” with a knee injury, having missed last week’s game. Linebacker Ty’Ron Hopper, also out last week with an Achilles issue, remains a limited participant. While it looks like right tackle Zach Bako-Bewele (knee), defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt (ankle), and edge defender Barryn Sorrell (foot) might be able to suit up on Sunday after finishing Week 1, the big question marks are Hopper, Hargrave, and Van Ness, all with those serious concussion or Achilles concerns. Brinson is likely to miss action again. It’s a rough start to the season’s health for the Green Bay D.
New York Gets Some Good, Then a Jolt
Over on the Jets’ side of things, there’s a bit more sunshine mixed with a fresh cloud. Starting linebacker Jamien Sherwood, who played last week against the Tennessee Titans, saw his knee injury status improve from limited to full participant. Rookie second-round cornerback D’Angelo Ponds, inactive last week, also moved from limited to full with his calf issue. That’s a solid win for New York.
However, edge rusher Will McDonald IV suddenly popped up on the injury report on Thursday as a limited participant with an ankle injury, after not being listed at all yesterday. Apparently, he suffered that injury just today. This is a real concern for New York’s designated pass rusher. Then there’s the group that hasn’t practiced all week: rookie first-round pick Omar Cooper Jr. (ankle), starting safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (groin), edge defender Joseph Ossai (foot), and running back/returner Kene Nwangwu. Cooper and Fitzpatrick even left their last game early. The Jets are hoping McDonald’s ankle isn’t serious, but losing so many key guys, even for practice, has to sting.
The next game is looming for both squads, and these injury reports are going to be critical for who lines up on the field. You have to wonder how Green Bay’s defense will hold up without Hargrave, if he’s out. And for the Jets, can their depth step up if McDonald’s ankle keeps him sidelined? This early in the season, every snap counts!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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