Packers-Eagles injury report: Packers might be forced to test OLB depth
Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Mike Pettine acknowledged he needed to use more of his outside linebacker depth chart. Perhaps he’ll be forced to do that on Thursday.
Standout starter Za’Darius Smith (knee), who was added to the injury report on Tuesday, is questionable. After a walk-through on Tuesday, the team had a brief on-field practice on Wednesday, during which Smith was limited participation.
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Through three games, the starting outside linebackers have carried a heavy workload, with Preston Smith playing 90.9 percent of the defensive snaps and Za’Darius Smith 86.1 percent. Meanwhile, backups Kyler Fackrell (32.1 percent) and Rashan Gary (22.0 percent) have seen limited snaps. Regardless of the injury to Smith, Pettine might need to rely more on his backups on a short week.
“I think in looking at the numbers, it’s something that we’re definitely aware of,” Pettine said after Wednesday’s practice. “It is a long year and, whether it’s a guy who’s young (or not), you certainly don’t want them at those positions having that many reps.”
For the Packers, defensive tackle Montravius Adams and inside linebacker Oren Burks are out. That’s two defensive starters. Tyler Lancaster figures to get another start for Adams and B.J. Goodson will get the call in place of Burks. Smith, Fackrell and receiver Jake Kumerow are questionable.
There were no surprises for the Eagles. Three starters are out: cornerback Ronald Darby, defensive tackle Tim Jernigan and big-play receiver DeSean Jackson.
With that, ready or not, the Packers (3-0) will host the Eagles (1-2) on Thursday night.
“It’s a lot more mental reps, the stuff we’re doing in the walk-throughs,” Pettine said. “Still today, we needed to get out and do something physically. You can’t just walk through all week and then expect to just flip the switch back on Thursday.”
PACKERS INJURY REPORT
Out: DT Montravius Adams (shoulder), ILB Oren Burks (pectoral).
Questionable: OLB Kyler Fackrell (shoulder), WR Jake Kumerow (shoulder), OLB Za’Darius Smith (knee).
EAGLES INJURY REPORT
Out: CB Ronald Darby (hamstring), WR DeSean Jackson (abdomen), DT Tim Jernigan (foot).
Questionable: RB Corey Clement (shoulder).