The Green Bay Packers lost their opening game 23-7 at the hands of the Minnesota Vikings. Already without their star linemen, David Bakhtiari and Elgton Jenkins, the Packers lost several key depth pieces to injury in Week One. While some may be able to return to the field in time for Green Bay’s Sunday Night matchup against the Chicago Bears, depth is all of a sudden a MAJOR concern at several key positions.
Related: Three Studs and Duds from the Packers 23-7 Loss to the Vikings
Injuries to the Packers Inside Linebackers
Going into the season, everyone was in agreement that this inside linebacker group is the best that the Packers have had in years. Unfortunately, it looks as if that group of four will be smaller going into Week Two against the Bears. Rookie Quay Walker exited the game with a shoulder injury. Krys Barnes, too, was injured, but it appears as if his injury is much worse.
Krys Barnes carted off after this play. Bad goes to worse for #GoPackGo https://t.co/BLA1d7DvLp
— Good Times Sports (@GoodTimesSport) September 11, 2022
Barnes was carted off the field and an air cast was immediately applied to his lower leg. Packer Report’s Andy Herman surmised that Barnes will go to IR and Ray Wilborn will be activated from the practice squad.
With Quay Walker hurt and Krys Barnes out, it would seem likely that Ray Wilborn gets a call up to the active roster this week – likely with a move of Krys Barnes to IR.
— Andy Herman (@AndyHermanNFL) September 12, 2022
An IR stint certainly seems likely. The Athletic‘s Matt Schneidman noted that Barnes was on crutches in the locker room following the game.
Krys Barnes on crutches in the locker room.
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) September 11, 2022
There is no update as to the severity of Quay Walker’s shoulder injury yet. Game on Wisconsin’s Erin Alyce had an astute observation of how the injury occurred, though:
Quay Walker probably injured his shoulder putting this defense on his back all game.
— erin alyce (@herooine) September 11, 2022
A Thin Offensive Line
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/JZMGEAPNHFBARORBSATOOWVGKY.jpg "Packers Injuries in Loss to Vikings Create Concerns about Depth for Week Two 2")
As mentioned previously, the Packers were without Elgton Jenkins and David Bakhtiari in their loss to the Vikings. To make matters worse, it sounds like Bakhtiari will not be ready for Week Two against the Bears either. If Jenkins is also unable to go, well, that’s even worse. Injuries and poor play on the line against Minnesota highlighted the need for these two players to return soon.
Jon Runyan Jr. out for the game with a concussion.
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) September 11, 2022
Jon Runyan Jr. suffered a concussion during the game. As many know, concussions affect everyone differently. While it is possible that he clears protocol this week, it is far from a guarantee. Rookie Zach Tom came into the game when Runyan got hurt. Tom played well, supporting what many were saying before (and after) the game: he should have been starting.
Run right behind Zach Tom. Prosper.
Why. Was. He. Not. Starting.
— Peter Bukowski (@Peter_Bukowski) September 11, 2022
This is looking for work.
Zach Tom had already taken his man out of the play and then goes back and pushes AJ Dillon into the end zone.pic.twitter.com/RDIyZupJ4y
— Jason B. Hirschhorn (@by_JBH) September 11, 2022
It’s almost as if Zach Tom should have been in the game from the jump.
— Jeff Chapman (@JeffKChapman) September 11, 2022
idk I just don't think it's a coincidence that Zach Tom entered the game and Aaron Jones immediately tore off a 29-yard run in his direction idk idk idk
— zach jacobson (@itszacharyj) September 11, 2022
The play of Jake Hanson was particularly poor against the Vikings. The best case scenario for the Packers would be that Runyan clears protocol and can return as the left guard. Continuing this scenario, Jenkins is ready to play and lines up at left or right tackle. Yosh Nijman would start as the other tackle with Josh Myers at center and Zach Tom as the right guard.
Safety Depth Continues to Be a Concern for the Packers
As I noted back in March, the Packers have a real issue with safety depth. While they have added Micah Abernathy, it was Keisean Nixon who they were planning to rely on for adequate depth at the position. Unfortunately, Nixon also hurt his shoulder against the Vikings. The severity of the injury is not known.
The Packers could be in a pretty bad spot if they can't figure out Keisean Nixon's shoulder issue* because they only rolled with four CBs today. Shemar Jean-Charles is inactive for some reason.
*pop it back into place oh god I'm cringing while I type this
— zach jacobson (@itszacharyj) September 11, 2022
In the closing days of training camp, Rasul Douglas was taking some snaps as a safety on the Packers defense. This would not be ideal going forward long-term. Hopefully Nixon will be able to recover this week and be ready for the Bears.
For More Great Wisconsin Sports Content
Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19 and follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here!
