8 most important Packers returning from injury for playoffs

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - NOVEMBER 29: David Bakhtiari #69 of the Green Bay Packers leaves the field at halftime of a game against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field on November 29, 2020 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Bears 45-21. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

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Oct 28, 2021; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Whitney Mercilus (50) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Most important Packers returning from injury: Whitney Mercilus

Everyone, including his teammates, thought Whitney Mercilus was done for the season after he tore his bicep. However, he promised he’d be back and here he is, practicing this week.

Mercilus was playing very well for the Packers since they picked him up off the free agent market in the middle of the season. In four games for the green and gold, he had 10 total pressures, including one sack, in spot duty from the edge.

If he returns, he won’t be counted on to play major snaps–the most he played when he was healthy was 31–but he will be a nice player to help keep Rashan Gary and Preston Smith fresh. Even if he’s limited, he’ll be a huge upgrade over the other outside linebackers they currently have in their rotation.

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