It might be an evaluation season for the Green Bay Packers offense, but it's a different timeline for the defense. So with Darnell Savage out for at least four games with a calf injury, the coaching staff will go with a more experienced option. Instead of seventh-round rookie Anthony Johnson Jr., it's veteran Jonathan Owens who will start alongside Rudy Ford at safety on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings.

The Packers scheme values versatility on the back end, as safety disguise is a big factor. And Owens' ability to do that is significant for defensive coordinator Joe Barry.

"He came in here and competed and worked his butt off and really opened all of our eyes," Barry said during the week. "We've given him some different roles in some different packages as well, and he's proved he's very knowledgeable. He's a great pro. I'm excited for him, even though it's in Darnell's absence, that he'll be able to go in and play some good ball for us."

So far this season, Owens has played 69 defensive snaps. He's been solid in the run game and as a tackler, even though his coverage abilities are limited. He has a 63.0 PFF grade against the run, but 54.5 in coverage. But he expected to be ready for the bigger role.

"Someone has to step up. That's pretty much what the NFL is," Owens observed. "The next man has to come in and perform as a starter does. Just ready for the opportunity."

Owens has, in fact, solid experience in the league. He signed with the Arizona Cardinals as an undrafted free agent after the 2018 draft and spent his entire rookie season on injured reserve. But after that, he spent four years with the Houston Texans with significant playing time.

Last year, he was a full-time starter for Lovie Smith's defense, playing 970 snaps. His performance wasn't great, but he was at least a solid tackler, finishing the season with 89 of them.

"You know you're going to get great effort and execution from him," said Packers head coach Matt LaFleur. "He's a great communicator, a really good tackler."

Safety was already a position of need for the Packers. The team decided to add just low-level free agents and a seventh-rounder. Without Darnell Savage, it gets even more exposed. But at least Barry's system theoretically doesn't ask much of them in terms of space covered.

The situation isn't ideal, but Owens' experience and ability to stop the run are important for the defense to be honest even without the perfect personnel.

Future

The Packers haven't invested much in the safety position since 2019, when they signed Adrian Amos in free agency and drafted Savage in the first round. This year, they opted to sign Ownens and former San Francisco 49ers' backup Tarvarius Moore, who didn't make the initial 53-man roster.

For next year, the outlook isn't great either. Savage is slated to be a free agent, as well as Owens, Rudy Ford, and special teamer Dallin Leavitt. The only safeties under contract beyond 2023 are Anthony Johnson Jr., drafted in the seventh round, and Zayne Anderson, who was claimed off waivers from the Buffalo Bills after the final roster cuts — he is mostly a special teamer and hasn't played for the Packers yet.

With that situation in mind, a good performance from Jonathan Owens might not only be impactful for this season, but can incentivize the Packers to keep him for 2024.

It's an important opportunity for Jonathan Owens to prove his value as a veteran piece on a team full of young players.

Packers place Darnell Savage on injured reserve

Safety will miss at least four games