Packers’ Top 5 Breakout Candidates After Bye Week

Nov 27, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) and wide receiver Christian Watson (9) celebrate a touchdown connection against the Philadelphia Eagles during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

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Green Bay Packers linebacker Lukas Van Ness (90) tackles Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields (1) during their football game Sunday, September 10, 2023, at Soldier Field in Chicago, Ill. /

Packers Breakout Candidates: Lukas Van Ness

With Rashan Gary slowly working his way back into the fold, Packers’ rookie first-round pick Lukas Van Ness has received more playing time than anticipated during the first five games. And although he’s shown a couple of flashes–like his sack of Justin Fields in Week 1–it hasn’t been as often as fans had hoped.

Van Ness has struggled holding the edge in the running game, often getting sucked up inside. He’s already shown growth in that area and is coming off one of his better performances against the Raiders.

However, Green Bay needs him to get after the quarterback. All four of his hurries and lone sack came in Week 1, as he’s been shut down since. He has all the athletic tools to make it happen and should continue to refine his game as the season progresses.

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