Packers: Tyler Ervin injury bad news for the return game

The Packers will miss Tyler Ervin in Week 6.

Tyler Ervin helped save the Green Bay Packers‘ return game last season after they were on pace for record-low numbers.

With Ervin ruled out of Sunday’s game versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, there is some concern on special teams. With no obvious replacement for Ervin as the returner, the Packers will just be hoping for no mistakes on special teams.

Last season, Ervin returned 11 punts for 106 yards, averaging 9.6 yards per return. Tremon Smith, Darrius Shepherd, Chandon Sullivan, Jamaal Williams, and Trevor Davis combined for minus-eight yards on nine returns.

Shepherd called for 11 fair catches, but his only two punt returns went for minus-nine yards with a long of zero. Not great. Tomorrow afternoon, Shepherd could be the choice to return punts and kickoffs again.

More important than anything, the Packers just need someone to fill in for Ervin and not make any mistakes. Forget about flipping field position, just make sure the ball is caught and the Packers take possession. Anything else will be a bonus.

Ervin’s injury is also bad news for the Packers offense.

Ervin has played just under a third of the offensive snaps for Green Bay this season. Despite only having five receptions and four rushing attempts, defenses have to respect the possibility of him getting the ball every time he’s out there. Matt LaFleur moves Ervin around to help create confusion for defenses.

Ervin has become an important player on both special teams and offense, so he’ll be missed in this game. Hopefully, his wrist injury isn’t serious and he’ll be able to return for next week’s game against the Houston Texans.

There is good injury news for the Packers, however. WR Davante Adams and DT Kenny Clark are set to return against the Bucs, and WR Equanimeous St. Brown has been activated from injured reserve.