The Green Bay Packers have set their initial 53-man roster, though it continues to be fluid with waiver claims and further roster cuts. Earlier today, Green Bay claimed two players off of waiver and released 2022 seventh round pick Tariq Carpenter.
Also earlier today, Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst addressed the media. Among other things, he was asked about the Week One status of star defenders De’Vondre Campbell and Rashan Gary. Gutenkunst’s answer did not guarantee anything, but was very hopeful in nature.
The Green Bay Packers Expect Rashan Gary and De’Vondre Campbell to Be Ready for Week One
One of the biggest questions entering the 2023 offseason was when Gary would be healthy enough to play. After tearing his ACL in Week Nine against the Detroit Lions, Gary missed the rest of the season and was not able to participate in any offseason activities.
That did not keep him down, though. Gary finished his college degree this year and worked hard to get his knee back to full strength. The hard work paid off as he was activated for the physically unable to perform (PUP) list during training camp.
Campbell came into offseason activities and training camp completely healthy after dealing with, lingering injuries all season last year. Unfortunately, he suffered an ankle injury that kept him out for the last few weeks of training camp.
On Wednesday, Brian Gutenkunst was asked if either player would be ready for next week’s season opener against the Chicago Bears. Per Matt Schneidman of The Athletic, Gutekunst is optimistic that both players will be ready to go Week One:
Asked about his optimism both Rashan Gary and De’Vondre Campbell will be ready for Week 1 in Chicago, Brian Gutekunst said he feels good about both guys.
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) August 30, 2023
This is certainly welcomed news for a defensive unit that looked reinvigorated during the team’s preseason games. The interior pass rush looked much improved and Brenton Cox and Kingsley Enagbare provided excitement on the edges. If they continue to produce like that during the regular season, and both Campbell and Gary are able to play healthy and at a high level, the defense may finally match the potential everyone knows that it has.
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