Packers’ defense will have to overcome even more injuries

Nov 14, 2021; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Rashan Gary (52) sacks Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during the second quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2021; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Rashan Gary (52) sacks Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during the second quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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It’s safe to say the Green Bay Packers’ defense has taken their fair share of injury lumps this season. But that hasn’t stopped them from turning out good performance after good performance. Now, they’ll have to rally the troops once again.

The blows started back in training camp when All-Pro Za’Darius Smith missed the entire exhibition season with a bad back. He then tried to play sparingly in Week1 which only made it worse. He’s been out ever since with no timetable for a return–an ominous sign to say the least.

Speaking of ominous, Jaire Alexander, far and away Green Bay’s best cornerback and one of the better ones in the entire NFL, went down with a shoulder injury against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 4. Surgery was one option for him, but that would’ve taken him out for the rest of the season. Instead, he chose to rehab it and see if it can heal in time for a return this year. That still remains to be seen.

The Green Bay Packers’ suddenly vaunted defense will have to figure out a way to overcome injuries that just keep coming.

Despite losing two of their three best defensive players, the Packers’ defense has continued to push forward with a next man up mentality.

Preston Smith has rebounded following a down 2020 campaign and has been a solid contributor against both the run and the pass. Opposite of him has been the up-and-coming Rashan Gary. Gary’s arrow is pointing straight up, as he seemingly gets better each and every game.

In the secondary, rookie Eric Stokes has taken his lumps, to be sure, but he continues to battle. He’s flashed the innate talent that could make him a legitimate starting cornerback for years to come.

The front office has also picked up newcomers following the injuries that have made positive impacts. Rasul Douglas seemingly came out of nowhere to help bolster the Packers’ secondary with both Alexander and Kevin King out. Now, he’s ahead of King on the depth chart.

They also signed veteran Whitney Mercilus for depth at outside linebacker. Mercilus was making his presence felt in the limited snaps and was a good rotational player for the Packers.

Unfortunately, Green Bay will have to rally the troops once more. Mercilus is out for the season with a torn bicep while Gary hyperextended his elbow in a gruesome-looking injury. Thankfully, there is no structural damage for Gary and he shouldn’t be out for too long, if at all if it’s up to him.

Next. Positional grades at halfway point. dark

With no return in sight quite yet for Alexander or Smith, Green Bay will have to figure out a way to continue their elite defensive play. Following a shutout of the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, they’ve held their opponents to 14 or fewer points in four of their last five games. Let’s see what they can do now, as more key players go down.