There was a lot to smile about for Green Bay Packers fans in Friday’s preseason win over the Cincinnati Bengals. However, one of the biggest downsides of an otherwise noteworthy preseason debut for the Packers was the fact that the team has now lost tight end Tyler Davis to a season-ending knee injury.
Green Bay Packers: Tyler Davis Suffers Devastating Injury
After putting in a noteworthy effort against the Bengals that included two receptions and a touchdown, Davis had to be carted off the field in a scary moment. Green Bay’s worst fears were then realized after it was revealed that Davis’ season is now over after he was diagnosed with a torn ACL.
This is a significant blow for the squad, and it prompted an emotional reaction from head coach Matt LaFleur:
“Unfortunately, that’s going to be a pretty significant injury,” LaFleur said after the game, via Bill Huber of Packer Central. “My heart hurts for him. He’s been a key contributor to our success over the last couple years, whether it’s on teams or carving out a role in our offense, and he’s the consummate professional. He’s a great teammate, just a great human and we’re going to miss him.”
This is an undeniably unfortunate situation for both Davis and the Packers. However, the silver lining here is that this could present itself as an opportunity for incoming second-year tight end Austin Allen.
Green Bay Packers: Austin Allen Fighting for Roster Spot
Amid Davis’ season-ending opportunity, Allen all of a sudden appears to have a shot at making the final 53-man roster for the upcoming season. The 24-year-old isn’t at all delighted by the injury to his teammate, but at the same time, Allen understands that these are just the breaks of the game:
“It’s a crazy business,” Allen says, via Ryan Wood of PackersNews.com. “Whether you get released, say I get released tomorrow and I get picked up by someone else tomorrow, it’s a whole new playbook. You’ve just got to brace yourself, you’ve got to submerge yourself in the playbook and do whatever you can. This is an opportunity where you get more reps. I’ve just got to submerge myself in the opportunity.”
For his part, however, Allen is just wishing all the best for Davis on his road to recovery. According to the young TE, Davis has played an integral role in his fledgling career:
“He’s such a good teammate,” he said, “such a positive role model for me.”
Coach LaFleur himself has indicated that Austin Allen now has a massive chance in front of him. It’s now just a matter of whether or not he’s going to be able to seize it:
“He’s going to get more opportunities now,” LaFleur says, “especially with TD being out. He’s got to take advantage of those.”
It goes without saying that the next few weeks are going to be very important for Austin Allen.
For More Wisconsin Sports:
Follow me on Twitter at @PaoloSongcoNBA, and follow us @WiSportsHeroics. Also, check out our Merchandise Here! Get 20% off with the code “WSH.” You can also reach out to Paolo Songco via email at pao.songco@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Wisconsin sports, click here! Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks, Wisconsin Badgers.