Packers dealing with early injuries vs. Miami: What to Know
By Paul Bretl
The Green Bay Packers are, unfortunately, dealing with injuries early on against the Miami Dolphins.
Halfway through the second quarter, Yosh Nijman, Dean Lowry, and Keisean Nixon had all exited the game. Nijman left with a shoulder injury, Nixon a groin injury, and Lowry a calf injury.
In Nijman’s place at right tackle, Royce Newman took over. Since being benched following Week 6 against the New York Jets, Newman has taken just one snap. The only other game in his NFL career where he played right tackle came in Week 1 against Minnesota, in which he gave up a sack and three pressures, according to PFF ($$).
My guess is that the Packers went this route because it required the least amount of movement. Had they moved Elgton Jenkins to right tackle, Newman would either have to take over at left guard, where he doesn’t have any snaps, or go to right guard with Jon Runyan, then sliding to the left side. The Packers improved offensive line play has been a key element to their recent success on offense. The blitz heavy Dolphins will test that.
Nixon was dealing with a groin injury during the week and was on the injury report. He again provided a huge spark to the special teams unit with a 93-yard return, but the offense was unable to capitalize with a touchdown. In his place on kick returns his Romeo Doubs, who had his first career return attempt in the second quarter. While on defense, at least early on, was safety Innis Gaines in the slot.
Lastly, Lowry left in the first quarter. This has led to more snaps for Devonte Wyatt, who has made the most of his recent snaps. Where Green Bay will really miss Lowry is against the run, where he takes the bulk of his snaps. Wyatt, meanwhile, has primarily been used on passing downs. So this may also mean more snaps for TJ Slaton as well. Getting consistent pressure on Tua Tagovailoa will be a must with Miami’s speedy receivers.
As already mentioned, all three players are questionable to return, so hopefully, we will see them back out there.
Update: Coming out of halftime, Christian Watson is questionable to return with a hip injury. He was heavily targeted in the first half, and it will be interesting to see if the Dolphins defend Green Bay any differently without him on the field as a vertical threat. For much of the first half, Miami was daring the Packers to throw the ball.