Packers hear concerning update about All-Pro piece, but it includes a key detail that softens the blow in a major way
Xavier McKinney has a calf injury
The Green Bay Packers will be without a major part of their defense for preseason and part of training camp. Safety Xavier McKinney has a calf injury that has been lingering, according to what McKinney himself told reporters in the locker room. However, the positive update is that the All-Pro defender expects to be ready by Week 1.
“Glad we caught it when we caught it,” McKinney said, via ESPN. “I’ll be ready when it’s time to go.”
Xavier McKinney missed practice on Thursday, the last activity before preseason opener against the New York Jets on Saturday.
The Packers are already handling significant issues in the secondary, because cornerback Nate Hobbs went through a knee surgery and won’t play in the preseason either. Fellow cornerback Keisean Nixon didn’t do team drills on Thursday, even though it doesn’t sound like anything major.
The defense had Carrington Valentine and converted wide receiver Bo Melton starting at cornerback at practice, with Javon Bullard and Evan Williams at safety. Bullard is the starting nickel as well, and this is another reason for the Packers to be concerned without McKinney.
Secondary options
Without Hobbs and McKinney, the secondary should have Nixon and Valentine as boundary corners, with Bullard and Williams deep. Melton has played more as a boundary player, so if they need another nickel, Corey Ballentine, Kamal Hadden and Kalen King could be realistic alternatives.
In the nickel package, the Packers could also move Bullard to the slot, with Omar Brown, Zayne Anderson, or Kitan Oladapo playing alongside Evan Williams at safety.
Relief
Happily for the Packers, though, both Nate Hobbs and Xavier McKinney are expected to be back in time to play the Detroit Lions on Sept. 7, in the first week of the regular season. The lack of practice time won’t help, but at least the weak depth won’t be so severely exposed from the jump.
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