Five Packers to watch vs. Chiefs in Week 8 matchup
By Jesse Fry
3. Darnell Savage/Will Redmond
The Packers got a bit of good news on the injury front Wednesday when stud rookie Darnell Savage returned to practice after missing the last two games with an ankle injury.
If back to full health, Savage is a player who can close the middle of the field. His speed and instincts have been missed in his absence, and he could be a difference-maker if he returns to the lineup.
If not, then Redmond needs to be as much of the player Savage is as he can. Redmond has similar speed to Savage as he was clocked at a 4.38 40-yard-dash coming out of college. He has since suffered an ACL tear but is far enough removed that it shouldn’t affect him.
Either Savage or Redmond will need to be the centerfielder, limiting big plays deep while also helping close out the open middle. The Chiefs can attack the Packers in many different ways, and having a safety who can help over the middle, as well as deep, will go a long way in stopping their offense.
Savage has proven in his short time with the Pack that he’s more than up to the task. So if he’s healthy, he’s going to have to just be him and ball out. If not, Redmond will be asked to help out and fill Savage’s shoes as best he can.