Dairyland Express
Fansided

Packers dealing with injuries early on vs. Lions

By Paul Bretl

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 11: Romeo Doubs #87 of the Green Bay Packers runs with the ball against the Minnesota Vikings in the third quarter of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 11, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the Packers 23-7. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 11: Romeo Doubs #87 of the Green Bay Packers runs with the ball against the Minnesota Vikings in the third quarter of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 11, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the Packers 23-7. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Green Bay Packers entered Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions the healthiest they had been in a few weeks. Both Allen Lazard and Christian Watson were available, while the Packers had their preferred five along the offensive line for the first time this season.

Unfortunately, injuries have defined the first quarter for the Green Bay Packers.

On the first play of the game, Romeo Doubs would leave with an ankle injury following an 18-yard completion. Later on that same drive, Jon Runyan would go down and exit with a knee injury. Then on the Packers’ next defensive possession, Eric Stokes left with what is being called a knee and ankle injury.

Without Doubs, Sammy Watkins joined Christian Watson and Allen Lazard as the three primary receivers on the field. Against a very bad Detroit Lions defense, the Packers have found early success in the passing game. After one quarter, Aaron Rodgers is 6-of-11 for 102 yards; however, he has two interceptions.

Runyan was at right guard, but without him, Zach Tom took his place and is was playing his third position in the last three weeks. Some good news, however, is that Runyan did return following a series on the sidelines.

The offensive line has held up well against a Lions’ pass rush that has struggled to create pressure. The Packers are averaging 5.4 yards per rush as a team through one quarter, and Rodgers has had plenty of time in the pocket.

Defensively, Douglas has moved to the boundary in Stokes’ absence, with Keisean Nixon taking over in the slot. When called upon earlier this season, Nixon has filled in well with spot duty inside. Also worth mentioning is that Nixon, Douglas, and Jaire Alexander are the only healthy cornerbacks remaining today.

Although there are a number of factors on both sides of the ball behind the Green Bay Packers’ slow start this season, injuries have been a part of the equation.

Update: Unfortunately, the injuries keep coming. David Bakhtiari has been sidelined the entire second half with Tom taking over at left tackle. Rashan Gary left with a knee injury and Christian Watson a concussion following a first down catch. Green Bay has managed to not let the Lions’ dominate on the ground and have gotten regular pressure on Goff.

Then half way through the third quarter, Aaron Jones left with an ankle injury—the Packers lone playmaker. Despite all of the struggles this season, Jones has been the one constant in this offense, however, he was still being underutilized even today.

Update No. 2: More injuries for the Packers in this game as linebacker Krys Barnes, who had just returned from IR with an ankle injury, left with a concussion. Barnes was rotating the LB2 snaps with Isaiah McDuffie and was utilized specifically against the run.

Following the game, Jones, Doubs, Stokes, and Gary were all seen in either a walking boot or crutches depending on the injury. Not good at all for Green Bay.

Home/Green Bay Packers