Linebackers (8) – 42/53
EDGE: Za’Darius Smith, Preston Smith, Rashan Gary, Jonathan Garvin, Tim Williams
ILB: Christian Kirksey, Oren Burks, Ty Summers
Just like that, inside linebacker is a concern again. Rookie Kamal Martin had been a standout at training camp and looked to be a strong candidate to secure a starting job in the Packers defense. But now Martin could miss a lot of time this season due to a knee injury that required surgery earlier this week. Unfortunately, I have him landing on injured reserve.
To make matters worse, Oren Burks has also missed time due to injury at training camp, but he did return to practice on Wednesday, a good sign. Curtis Bolton still isn’t back from injury and he could miss out on the 53-man roster as a result.
With Martin out for a while, the Packers need one of Burks or Ty Summers to step up in a starting role next to Christian Kirksey.
Things do look a lot better at outside linebacker. The Smith Bros. will be aiming to build on last season, while second-year Rashan Gary has been impressive in practice.
Another player to watch is rookie Jonathan Garvin, who has made some big plays at training camp. I have both Garvin and Tim Williams making the 53-man roster. If Gary takes a step up and the Packers get some production from Garvin and Williams, we’re looking at one of the deepest and most talented pass rushes in the NFL.