Packers: Kenny Clark returns to practice Thursday, per report

Kenny Clark is back at practice, and that is great news for the Green Bay Packers.

The Packers can be considered a healthy team entering the divisional round as they are close to having everyone on the roster available, and this is welcomed after many years when this was anything but true.

However, a concern earlier in the week was the status of star defensive tackle Kenny Clark, who sat out of Wednesday’s practice due to a back injury.

But there’s some good news. According to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic, Clark returned to practice on Thursday.

Clark is so important to Green Bay’s defense.

According to Pro Football Focus, Clark had the fourth-best pass-rush win rate among interior defenders when facing two-plus blockers. They noted that he faced more than one blocker on 294 pass-rush attempts in 2019.

And in one tweet, we can see how vital he is to this defense. Opposing offenses respect him and are concerned with the impact he can have on the game.

Up against a struggling Seattle Seahawks offensive line, Clark can give the advantage to the Packers’ front seven. Za’Darius Smith also regularly draws multiple blockers. They can both make a significant impact on this game.

Clark set a career-best in tackles this season with 62, while also matching his career-high six sacks.

Clark made an impact in the playoffs during his rookie season, showing his star potential. In three postseason games, he made six tackles, two tackles for loss and two quarterback hits.

Time will tell whether Clark is able to play on Sunday, and how close he’ll be to 100 percent. But the fact he’s back out there at practice on Thursday is a step in the right direction and perhaps a sign that he’ll be ready to go.

And that would be very good news for the Packers defense ahead of their playoff matchup against the Seahawks.