Packers: Darnell Savage avoids long-term injury, could play in Week 2

Darnell Savage’s injury isn’t considered serious, according to Packers head coach Matt LaFleur.

Green Bay Packers third-year safety Darnell Savage left the season opener due to a shoulder injury, but it shouldn’t keep him out of action for too long.

Speaking to reporters on Monday following the Packers’ big loss to the New Orleans Saints, head coach Matt LaFleur said that he doesn’t believe Savage’s injury is a long-term concern and that he could be available for the team’s Week 2 home opener against the Detroit Lions.

The added benefit is that the Packers don’t play until Monday night, so Savage will have an additional day of rest to recover from the injury.

Savage intercepted a Jameis Winston pass in the end zone during Sunday’s loss, but the play was called back due to a questionable roughing the passer penalty on edge rusher Za’Darius Smith.

While the play likely wouldn’t have changed the outcome of the game, it all but sealed the victory for the Saints. With a turnover, Green Bay still had a small chance of making a late comeback. The interception would’ve kept points off the board for the Saints and kept the Packers in it.

That wasn’t to be, and instead Green Bay ended up losing the game 38-3.

Joe Barry’s defense needs to bounce back quickly after a disappointing performance against the Saints, and having Savage out there will help.

Backup safety Vernon Scott missed the season opener due to a hamstring injury, so the Packers’ depth could be tested if both players can’t play in Week 2. If both Savage and Scott are out, Henry Black will likely be next up to start with Adrian Amos at safety.

Hopefully with an extra day to recover from the injury, Savage will be good to go against the Lions next week.