Packers: Five players key to victory in Week 2 vs. Lions
By Jesse Fry
1. Right side of the O-line
Yes, it is not a stretch to say the offensive line needs to protect the quarterback. Yes, it was a key to last week. But, much like last week, the Packers have injuries to their right side of the offensive line. Unlike last week though, they do not have as much depth to turn to.
Lane Taylor suffered a season-ending injury, while backup Lucas Patrick left the game in the second quarter with a shoulder injury. All this after starting lineman Billy Turner was out with a knee injury.
The Packers did get a bit of good news to start the week as Patrick and Turner both practiced on a limited basis Wednesday. Hopefully, the Packers will be able to get at least one of those two back for Sunday’s game.
The Vikings defensive was diminished a bit with the loss of Linval Joseph and Everson Griffen to free agency and an injury to Danielle Hunter. The Packers won’t have the same fortune this weekend as the Lions’ stud pass rushers Trey Flowers and Da’Shawn Hand are healthy and available.
Matt Patricia is a defensive-minded coach and you can bet he will test the Packers’ right side where the Packers could be playing either two backups or two not fully healthy players.
There’s not telling what combination of right tackle/guard the Packers will field on Sunday. Whoever it is, better be ready for a heavy workload.