The Green Bay Packers were able to get the job done in week one against the Bears, but injuries are starting to pile up. They have several offensive weapons listed on the week two injury report, and if all, or even a few, can’t play against the Falcons what does that mean for the Packers?
LaFleur has confidence in his young roster, but at what point does that confidence start to slip away, considering the injury plague going on with this team? According to Green Bay’s official injury report, seven starters are listed and while four were limited in practice, the other three did not participate. Are the injuries reason for alarm heading into week two against the Atlanta Falcons?
Packers Notable Injuries
Aaron Jones- Running Back
Jones was an absolute stud in week one against the Bears, but unfortunately, he injured his hamstring and left the game early. When asked about his injury, here’s what Jones had to say:
“Just a little bite. Not a pull. I’ve pulled my hamstring before, so I didn’t really feel a pull. Just a little bite. Thank for [coach] LaFleur for always looking out for me and my best interest.”
Jones did not participate in practice and Coach LaFleur asked if his star running back would be available for week 2 he responded with:
“We’re going to give him the course of the week before we make any determination on him.”
If Jones is unable to go against the Falcons, AJ ‘Quadzilla’ Dillon will likely be the starter, with Patrick Taylor and Emanuel Wilson providing depth.
Christian Watson- Wide Receiver
Watson, like Jones, did not participate in practice to start the week. He is also dealing with a hamstring issue that kept him sidelined in week one’s battle with the Bears. Watson does not expect the Packers to place him on injured reserve, but his status for week two is questionable. The Packers have been cautious with Watson due to his history of hamstring issues. I see Watson sitting out this week and returning in week three.
Quay Walker- Linebacker
Walker was a defensive nightmare in week one and returned an interception for a touchdown against Chicago. Unfortunately, on his way into the endzone, Walker took a hit and is now in concussion protocol. It is unlikely that he will be cleared before Green Bay clashes with Atlanta. If he is unable to go look for Isaiah McDuffie to start in his place.
Next Man Up for Packers
One thing that we have learned about this team is that they have depth and the coaches are confident in the talent on the team. If Jones doesn’t play, look for Dillon to fill, and I see Emanuel Wilson stepping up big time in this one. Wilson was a stud in the preseason and earned a spot on the 53-man roster.
Rookie receiver Malik Heath will likely replace Watson if he does not play. They will have Doubs, who had a solid performance against the Bears last week. And let’s not forget about the other rookie Jayden Reed, who the Packers need to get more involved in the passing game. They will also have tight end Luke Musgrave, who was solid in his debut but needs more targets.
Final Call
There is no need to worry about the Packers heading into week 2 against the Falcons. They have depth and coach LaFleur will have this team ready to go. They may be missing a few key players, but this team will overcome and move to 2-0 on the year.
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