Packers share injury update that quietly carries far more impact than most fans would expect at this point in the season
Linebacker Nick Niemann was signed right before the regular season and suffered a pec injury against the Steelers.
The Green Bay Packers may be about to lose an important piece of their roster for the next few weeks, even though the regular observer might not even see his impact on the field. It’s linebacker and special teamer Nick Niemann, who left the Pittsburgh Steelers game with a pectoral injury.
“Yeah, it’s definitely a concern,” head coach Matt LaFleur said. “I haven’t gotten the final word, but we’re concerned about it.”
Recovery time for pec injuries depends on the severity, but full tears usually require surgery and take six months to heal. If it’s a mild strain, the player could be back on the field in a few weeks. That’s why the situation is still not clear for the Packers.
Impactful special teamer
Signed by the Packers one day after the final roster cuts in August, Niemann has quietly become one of the premier special teamers on the team, and that’s exactly why he was signed in the first place.
He leads the NFL with 10 tackles on special teams, with an 83.0 PFF grade on special teams plays. His versatility is key. He’s played 114 special teams snaps, almost 60 percent of the plays, in kick return, kick coverage, punt return, and punt coverage.
It’s no secret that Niemann is great on special teams, which is what made him a valuable piece throughout his four seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers.
After leaving the Chargers in free agency this season, Niemann signed with the Houston Texans back in March, but did not make the initial 53-man roster and was available to sign with the Packers.
If Niemann misses time, the Packers would have a natural replacement on the practice squad. Veteran Kristian Welch has been a useful special teamer during the last two preseasons, even though he hasn’t had space to show it in regular season games — theoretically, Welch is worse on special teams, but can offer more to the defensive unit.
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