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Packers De’Vondre Campbell returns to practice ahead of tough matchup with Eagles

By Paul Bretl

LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 23: De'Vondre Campbell #59 of the Green Bay Packers lines up against the Washington Commanders during the first half of the game at FedExField on October 23, 2022 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 23: De'Vondre Campbell #59 of the Green Bay Packers lines up against the Washington Commanders during the first half of the game at FedExField on October 23, 2022 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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Before taking on the 9-1 Philadelphia Eagles, Green Bay Packers linebacker De’Vondre Campbell returned to Friday’s practice—his first in several weeks.

Campbell has been sidelined with a knee injury that he suffered against the Buffalo Bills and hasn’t played or practiced since. At this time, we do not know if he will be available for Sunday night’s game.

In Campbell’s place during the last few games, Quay Walker has taken over the play-calling duties for the defense, and it has been either Krys Barnes or Isaiah McDuffie lined up next to him.

Like many members of this Packers team, Campbell hasn’t been playing as well as he did in 2021, but his potential return to the lineup this weekend will, without a doubt, be needed as Green Bay takes on a very good Eagles offense.

With or without Campbell, the Packers linebackers (and really every defender) will be tasked with trying to limit Jalen Hurts’ impact as a ball carrier. Both on designed plays and off-script, Hurts has the ability to create big gains, whether that be on the ground or through the air, by extending plays. This is also a run-heavy Philadelphia offense as they average 33 attempts per game, led by Miles Sanders’ 4.9 yards per carry.

Tight end Dallas Goedert is another member of this Eagles’ offense that Campbell — if available — may be tasked with trying to slow at times. Goedert is among the most heavily targeted tight ends in the NFL, and one of the best in terms of yards per catch as well as yards after the catch ability, according to PFF ($$).

On top of everything just mentioned, Philadelphia also has AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith at receiver, along with one of the best offensive lines in football, and they’ll be up against a Packers pass rush that has been lacking without Rashan Gary. Having Campbell potentially back in the mix could free up Walker to be utilized as a blitzer more often.

As you can see, there’s a reason why the Eagles rank fourth in the NFL in points per game this season.

In addition to Campbell returning to practice, so did Robert Tonyan, who missed Thursday’s practice with an illness that is working its way through the Packers’ locker room. The only player who didn’t practice on Friday was Romeo Doubs.

The Packers’ final injury report will be released on Friday afternoon, where we will learn more about Campbell’s status for Sunday’s game. If Campbell can’t go, I would again expect to see Barnes out there next to Walker.

UPDATE: De’Vondre Campbell is listed as doubtful.

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