Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur provided an encouraging injury update on rookie inside linebacker Quay Walker.
Not only did the Green Bay Packers lose the game in their regular season opener versus the Minnesota Vikings, but they also lost a few players to injury during the game.
That included inside linebackers Quay Walker and Krys Barnes, hurting the Packers’ depth at the position.
However, there is some encouraging news for both players.
According to ESPN’s Rob Demovsky, head coach Matt LaFleur said on Monday that Walker could potentially play in Week 2 against the Chicago Bears.
LaFleur also said that Barnes avoided a season-ending injury.
Barnes was carted off the field on Sunday, raising concerns that his season could be over. So LaFleur saying he should return this year is good news, although it’s unclear how much time he will miss.
Walker exited the game with a shoulder injury and didn’t return. Before getting hurt, he had impressed, making eight tackles and seven solo tackles.
He looked comfortable in a starting position next to All-Pro De’Vondre Campbell. Together, they can give the Packers an excellent combination in the middle of the field.
Even if Walker isn’t available in Week 2, the fact he hasn’t been ruled out suggests his injury isn’t serious, which is a huge relief for the Packers.
The Packers also lost guard Jon Runyan Jr. (concussion) and cornerback Keisean Nixon (shoulder) during Sunday’s loss to the Vikings. It remains unclear whether either player could be available for next week’s game against the Bears.