Matt LaFleur drops a huge update that could single-handedly fix a troubling regression the Packers have dealt with in recent weeks
Lukas Van Ness has barely played since he suffered a foot injury against the Bengals.
The Green Bay Packers wanted to build a balanced roster, and a big part of that is a consistent defense. Earlier in the year, that was absolutely the case, but the unit has shown signs of regression lately — the defense fell out of the top 10 by DVOA this week, for example.
But head coach Matt LaFleur shared an update during his press conference that could break that negative trend. Edge defender Lukas Van Ness is returning to practice, albeit he’s still recovering from a serious foot injury.
“Yes,” LaFleur said on Wednesday. “He will be out there.”
The Packers need more pressure
Beyond Micah Parsons, the Packers have not generated much pressure over the past few weeks, especially quick pressures.
Those numbers tweeted by Justis Mosqueda are volume stats, but you can see that Rashan Gary hasn’t had the efficiency you would hope for.
Because the team can’t generate nearly as much pressure with its regular front four, defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley has to be more creative — not necessarily by sending extra bodies, but by using simulated pressure packages. Eventually, that may expose the secondary.
With Van Ness potentially back, the Packers could gain a powerful presence on the edge. Even though he played only five full games this season, the former first-rounder generated 16 pressures. Extrapolating that to a 17-game season, Van Ness would’ve had 54 total pressures, which is more than the 38 he had combined through the first two years of his NFL career.
“I think he’s playing pretty well,” LaFleur said when Van Ness got hurt. “He’s been impactful, played physical.”
Van Ness went through a weird injury situation
The edge defender hurt his foot on a sack against Joe Flacco during the Packers’ win over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 6. Even though he was not placed on injured reserve, Van Ness ended up missing five consecutive games — more than the four necessary when a player goes on IR.
To make things worse, he tried to return against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 12, but didn’t feel right after only six defensive snaps and got out. As a consequence, he also missed the games against the Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears.
Now, his return to practice doesn’t necessarily mean he will be available against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, but it’s certainly a good indication that Van Ness can play down the stretch.
Lukas Van Ness offers positional versatility
Van Ness’ return is highly impactful for the defense for multiple reasons. Beyond his leap in production and efficiency, the defensive end also offers the ability to kick inside, something particularly relevant after the Packers lost Devonte Wyatt to a season-ending injury.
Throughout his six NFL games this season, Van Ness played 38 snaps on the interior of the defensive line, in addition to his 129 snaps as an edge defender. Because the Packers have Parsons, Gary, and Kingsley Enagbare eating most of the snaps at edge, Van Ness could also play more inside — and his physical presence against the run can be impactful.
It’s a big year for Van Ness’ contract situation
Van Ness was a first-round pick back in 2023. That means this is the final season before the Packers have to decide on his fifth-year option for 2027. Van Ness will be under contract with Green Bay for 2026, but the team exercising the option would mean an estimated $14.949 million in guaranteed money for the player in 2027.
His level of performance in the final games of the season and whatever potentially happens in the playoffs will be key to determining what the front office will do.
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