Billy Turner Could Return to Green Bay Packers this Season

The Green Bay Packers suffered another injury along the offensive line this past Sunday with right tackle Billy Turner exiting the game with a knee injury.

Billy Turner still could return to the Green Bay Packers this season.

At this time we still do not know the type of injury or the severity, but Matt LaFleur did provide some positive, albeit vague news on Turner’s status. LaFleur told reporters on Wednesday that he doesn’t think that Turner’s injury is season-ending but he also does not know when he could possibly return either.

As I wrote in a recent article, Turner has been one of the unsung heroes on offense this season, playing at a high level and providing much-needed stability at the right tackle position, with his name rarely heard over the course of game—which, of course, is a good thing for an offensive lineman.

"“Billy Turner needs to get consideration for the Pro Bowl,” Rodgers said via Packers Wire. “I know we’re only six games in, but he’s played outstanding. He really has. He’s a master of his craft. Nobody works harder at his craft than Billy. I’m really proud of him.”"

According to PFF ($$), Turner has allowed just three sacks this season along with 32 pressures. The graph below from ESPN showcases just how effective Turner has been as both a run-blocker and a pass-blocker. The closer to the top right corner a player is, the better.

In the meantime and until Turner returns — whenever that may be — Dennis Kelly will be the Packers’ right tackle. Kelly was Tennessee’s starting right tackle in 2020 where he didn’t allow a single sack in 587 pass-blocking snaps per PFF.

Against Chicago, Kelly performed well off the bench, not allowing a pressure in his 24 pass-blocking snaps. On Wednesday, LaFleur would say that Kelly, “graded out really, really well in this last game.” Following Sunday’s game, Aaron Rodgers was also quick to compliment Kelly on his play.

Considering all of the movement and injuries that have occurred along the offensive line this season, the unit has held up well. For the most part, the run game has been successful and Rodgers has had the time he needs in the pocket—with some help from LaFleur’s game plan that has featured the quick passing game.

Just as Green Bay has had to figure out how to get by without David Bakhtiari, Elgton Jenkins, and Josh Myers, they’ll now have to do the same with Turner. But, hopefully, that’s only temporary.