Packers get mixed injury news with a positive twist ahead of Week 2 game against the Jets
Edge defender Lukas Van Ness has been cleared from the concussion protocol, while defensive tackle Javon Hargrave was downgraded to out.
The Green Bay Packers received mixed injury updates ahead of their Week 2 matchup against the New York Jets on Sunday. The team released its updated injury report on Saturday, and the headline is a positive one for the defense. Edge rusher Lukas Van Ness has cleared the concussion protocol and been removed from the injury report entirely. He will be available to play against New York.
The flip side is defensive tackle Javon Hargrave has been downgraded to out for the Jets game because of a concussion. Hargrave has also been dealing with a knee injury.
Van Ness’s return is huge for Green Bay
For the Packers, Van Ness’s presence on the field matters more than Hargrave’s absence. Green Bay needs its primary edge defender available, and Van Ness was the team’s best pass rusher in Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings, generating three pressures. Hargrave, by contrast, has operated as a rotational defensive tackle at this point.
Van Ness’ role becomes even more impactful without Micah Parsons on the field for at least the first four games of the season. With Parsons sidelined, Van Ness shoulders a heavier workload alongside the other three edge defenders on the 53-man roster, Barryn Sorrell, Brenton Cox, and rookie Dani Dennis-Sutton.
The Packers will be shorthanded at defensive tackle with both Hargrave and Warren Brinson (calf) ruled out. Green Bay still has five defensive tackles on the 53-man roster to fill the gap: Devonte Wyatt, Karl Brooks, Chris McClellan, Jonathan Ford, and Anthony Campbell. That depth should allow the Packers to operate without major concerns along the interior.
Offensive line and secondary question marks remain
Three players are still listed as questionable for Sunday. Two are offensive linemen: right tackle Zach Bako-Bewele and left guard Aaron Banks, both dealing with knee injuries. Cornerback Benjamin St-Juste rounds out the list after hurting his hamstring on Friday.
Bako-Bewele is expected to play after suiting up in Week 1 against the Vikings. Banks did not play against Minnesota but practiced in limited fashion throughout the week, giving him a better chance to be available against the Jets.
