A Packers coach talks about replacing a key player
Injuries are a major concern before the Green Bay Packers game in Week 10. The Packers had several starters leave the game against the Detroit Lions in Week 9. Head coach Matt LaFleur was concerned about a couple of losses on the defensive side of the ball after the loss. The Packers coach will have a little bit of help on defense, as the team added safety Johnathan Abram to the roster this week.
Abram was brought in after the injury to defensive back Eric Stokes. That’s one piece the Packers might have figured out how to work into their secondary. However, Rashan Gary’s season-ending ACL injury hasn’t been addressed by bringing in outside help. The Packers designated linebacker Tipa Galeai to return from the injured reserve. But he’s not going to be the solid pass rusher Gary was.
According to Matt Schneidman with The Athletic, Packers outside linebackers coach Jason Rebrovich answered how the team plans to replace Gary:
“You don’t.”
Packers OLB coach Jason Rebrovich on how you replace Rashan Gary:
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) November 10, 2022
"You don't."
Those aren’t promising words
The Packers coach didn’t mince words there. Gary’s injury is going to be a big blow for the defense. He leads the Packers in sacks this season with six total. The Packers’ pass rush was one of the best features of the team in the early season. Having Gary out will complicate defensive coordinator Joe Barry’s defense even more.
The Packers rely on the pass rush to help with the secondary’s pass coverage, which lives primarily in a zone system. The Packers will have to find a way to be more creative this week against the Dallas Cowboys to keep points down.