Michael Penix Jr. is officially set to make his first start of the season for the Atlanta Falcons tonight, and if you ask me, the timing couldn’t be worse for the Green Bay Packers. Penix Jr. has been a full participant in practice all week, shaking off that knee issue, and Tua Tagovailoa will be active as his backup. That’s a huge shift in Atlanta, and Green Bay’s offensive line is walking into a complete mess in Week 3.
Green Bay’s O-Line Is Gassed for Thursday Night
The Packers’ offensive line is seriously “in some trouble” heading into their showdown with Atlanta. They are without two starters, Zach Bako-Bewele (knee) and Aaron Banks (knee/toe), both ruled OUT. Losing two key guys up front is brutal for any team, let alone trying to protect the quarterback against a fresh starter eager to prove himself. On the defensive side, veteran Javon Hargrave is listed as questionable with both a knee injury and a concussion after being limited in practice all week. DT Anthony Campbell (ankle) is also questionable, while DT Warren Brinson (calf) and WR Jayden Reed (neck) are also OUT. For Atlanta, the injury report is a little lighter, with DE Samson Ebukam (hamstring) OUT and CB Billy Bowman Jr. (Achilles) questionable.
QBs Dropping Like Flies Across the League
It’s only Week 3, but the injury bug is absolutely hammering quarterbacks around the NFL. We’re talking Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, and Jaxson Dart all expected to miss this week! Can you believe six teams could be starting multiple quarterbacks already? That’s wild. Beyond the QBs, star wideouts Zay Flowers and Nico Collins are both battling hamstring injuries, and Alec Pierce got placed on injured reserve after aggravating an ankle injury he had back in the offseason. On top of that, Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks and Saints standout left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. both hit injured reserve. Jayden Reed, who’s out for the Packers with a neck injury, also had a back injury in Week 2 and his recovery timetable was not yet established. It’s a physical league, for sure.
Panthers’ Injury Woes Just Piled Up
Elsewhere, the Carolina Panthers are dealing with a whole slate of injuries that hit their practice this week. Linebacker Claudin Cherelus (shoulder), safety Nick Scott (rib), linebacker Devin Lloyd (calf), and pass rusher Jaelan Phillips all missed practice on Wednesday. Wide receiver Jalen Coker was also limited in practice with his ankle injury. Talk about a tough start to the season!
Week 3 is shaping up to be a test of depth across the NFL, and for Penix Jr. to step into the starting role against a hobbled Packers O-line is going to be a must-watch tonight. Our own Seattle Seahawks are also in action this week, heading to Washington. Get ready, folks!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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