Packers get two more reasons for concern on defense ahead of Week 2 game against the Jets
Edge defender Lukas Van Ness and defensive tackle Javon Hargrave were added to the injury report with concussions.
The Green Bay Packers received two concerning injury updates on Wednesday. Edge defender Lukas Van Ness and defensive tackle Javon Hargrave were added to the injury report with concussions, which puts their appearances in question against the New York Jets in Week 2.
It’s unclear when the injuries happened during the Week 1 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, but both were listed as limited participants on Wednesday’s practice. That’s actually a positive update, because the fact that they were able to practice to some extent elevates their chances of playing versus the Jets on Sunday.
Complicated edge situation
Van Ness’ situation is particularly relevant for the defense because he is the most important edge defender on the roster while Micah Parsons recovers from an ACL injury on the physically unable to perform (PPU) list. Beyond him, the Packers only have Barryn Sorrell, Brenton Cox Jr., and Dani Dennis-Sutton on the 53-man roster. Arron Mosby and undrafted rookie Nyjalik Kelly are the options on the practice squad, and they could be elevated for gameday if needed. Van Ness led the Packers with three pressures against the Vikings last Sunday.
Defensive tackle spot is deeper
Meanwhile, Javon Hargrave’s availability isn’t as impactful, even though he was the third interior defensive linemen with the most snaps in Week 1. Green Bay has seven defensive tackles on the 53-man roster. However, Warren Brinson is the only player on the roster who did not practice on Wednesday, and he already missed the first game of the season with a calf injury.
If neither can face the Jets, the group would have Devonte Wyatt, Karl Brooks, Chris McClellan, Jonathan Ford, and Anthony Campbell.
Either way, Lukas Van Ness and Javon Hargrave are meaningful pieces of the roster, and it’s worth monitoring their situations for Sunday. Without Micah Parsons, it’s hard for Jonathan Gannon’s defense to overcome more adversities.
