Packers: Linebacker Whitney Mercilus designated to return

Per Ryan Wood of the Green Bay Press-Gazette, Green Bay Packers linebacker Whitney Mercilus is set to be designated for return off of injured reserve after initially suffering a torn biceps against Seattle in Week 10.

The news comes just in time for the Packers as this means even more reinforcements for the defense as a whole. So far, Jaire Alexander (CB) and Za’Darius Smith (LB), have also been activated off of IR in time for the postseason.

With the return of Mercilus to the starting linebacker corps, this likely means set snap counts on a rotational basis meaning all will remain fresh in games. Even as the fourth-string linebacker depth wise, Mercilus can and will provide an impact overall for the defense.

On the season, Mercilus has three solo tackles, one TFL, and one QB hit. All were forced in the same game against Seattle — a 17-0 victory for Green Bay at Lambeau Field.

Overall, Mercilus’ return signals great things overall for the Packers as a team. They are getting healthy at just the right time and are peaking at just the right time as well. To think that Green Bay has gotten to this point with top players all missing action due to injury is an incredible testament to this team’s intestinal fortitude.

Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers eluded to it on a recent episode of ‘The Pat McAfee Show’, saying the team will be “going on a run” in the postseason. Let’s hope his statement becomes a reality this time.

So far, things are looking very good for that to happen. Three wins. That’s all that stands in the way of Green Bay capturing its fifth Lombardi Trophy. It could very well be coming to a head — starting on January 22 at Lambeau Field and possibly ending on February 13 at So-Fi Stadium in Los Angeles.