The Green Bay Packers released their inactive list for the “Thursday Night Football” game against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 3, and the defensive line was the main topic of conversation. The good news is veteran defensive tackle Javon Hargrave cleared the concussion protocol and is officially active.

Warren Brinson was already ruled out with a calf injury. It’s his third missed game, as he hasn’t played yet this season because of the calf issue. Anthony Campbell is also inactive, whether it’s because of an ankle injury or just a team decision.

Hargrave was handling a concussion and a knee injury, though the concussion was the ailment that caused him to miss the New York Jets game in Week 2. Anthony Campbell was also listed as questionable because of the ankle issue.

Two defensive tackles out with injuries at the same time is a significant hit for any team. For Green Bay, though, the situation is more manageable than it appears on the surface.

Depth softens the blow upfront

The Packers have a relatively strong depth group at defensive tackle, carrying seven active players at the position on the 53-man roster. In addition to the three dealing with injuries mentioned above, Green Bay also has Devonte Wyatt, Karl Brooks, rookie Chris McClellan, and Jonathan Ford, who all have played a significant number of snaps this season. So even with two players out, the Packers have enough bodies to piece together a viable rotation against Atlanta, especially with Hargrave back in the mix.

Other key absences for the Packers

Green Bay had already ruled out four players for this game before the inactive list dropped. In addition to Brinson, right tackle Zach Bako-Bewele is out for the season with a knee injury. Left guard Aaron Banks will miss the game with a toe injury, and wide receiver Jayden Reed is sidelined with a neck issue.

The defensive tackle depth gives the Packers a cushion they wouldn’t have at other positions, but the overall injury picture is one worth monitoring as the season moves forward.