Green Bay Packers: LaFleur Calls Whitney Mercilus’ Injury a “Tough One”

All things considered, the Green Bay Packers received some good news in regards to the injuries sustained by Aaron Jones and Rashan Gary.

Jones will miss 1-2 weeks with an MCL sprain, and while Gary still needs to undergo an MRI, early indications are that he avoided major injury. In fact, it’s been reported that Gary wants to play this coming Sunday—although that remains to be seen.

But, unfortunately, when it comes to Whitney Mercilus, who left Sunday’s game with a bicep injury, that appears to be more severe.

"“That’s a tough one,” said Matt LaFleur on Monday. “I feel bad for him. Shoot, he would’ve had potentially a second sack there. Just the stability he brings to that room. It’s one of those unfortunate things that happen.”"

There has been no definitive word on how long Mercilus could be out, but the injury does sound significant, and there could be the possibility that it ends his season.

Whitney Mercilus had found success since joining the Green Bay Packers.

While 2020 and the start of the 2021 season were down for Mercilus, he had been rejuvenated here in Green Bay as a situational pass rusher. He was utilized on third downs or in obvious passing situations where his job was to get after the quarterback.

In 80 pass-rushing snaps over four games with the Green Bay Packers, Mercilus had logged 10 pressures, including a sack against Seattle per PFF ($$). For reference, in Mercilus’ final 19 games with Houston, he would record just 25 total pressures during that span.

But it wasn’t just on the field where Mercilus was making an impact in Green Bay; he was also a terrific addition to the Packers locker room as well.

"“The thing I like about Whitney (is) obviously the experience in the league,” said OLB coach Mike Smith via Packers.com. “His leadership. He’s a grown man that’s all bought in. He’s just a great influence to have in the room. I was telling Gutey and those guys the other day, I think all the time I’ve been in the league, this is one of my favorites we’ve brought into the building at all the places I’ve been just because of who he is and what he brings to the table. So I’m very lucky and very blessed to have him in our room.”"

Again, there is no word on how much time Mercilus will miss, but with it looking like he could miss extended time, along with the uncertainty surrounding Gary’s status, Green Bay will need to add to their edge rusher room.

One name to watch for is La’Darius Hamilton, who was just released by the Packers on Saturday after appearing in three games and recording two pressures over 43 total defensive snaps.

UPDATE: According to Adam Schefter, Mercilus will miss the remainder of the season.