Packers: Three questions facing Clay Matthews in 2018

3. Will Matthews play all 16 games?

Injuries have been an issue in recent years for Matthews. In his nine-year career with the Packers, Matthews has only played all 16 games three times. Last year he missed two games due to injury.

Some times Matthews has just been unlucky when it comes to injuries. Look no further than the charity softball game he took part in earlier this month. Matthews suffered a broken nose during the game, which was just awful luck.

Luckily, he didn’t suffer a worse injury and should be fine in time for training camp and the start of the new season.

But avoiding injuries this season will be key. The Packers lack depth at outside linebacker behind Matthews and Nick Perry. Matthews said so himself:

"“But obviously, you look at the depth at the outside-linebacker position, and it’s not that great,” Matthews said, according to Rob Demovsky of ESPN. “That’s not a slight to the guys who are behind Nick and myself, but you look around the league, a lot of times they’re rotating in pass-rushers.”"

The Packers can’t afford to lose either of their top pass rushers for any great length of time.

The 32-year-old is still an important part of Green Bay’s defense, and that will continue with Mike Pettine taking over as defensive coordinator.

Can Matthews stay healthy and play all 16 games? The entire defense will benefit if he is available all season.