With Devonte Wyatt and Lukas Van Ness ruled out, the Green Bay Packers had some questions regarding the defensive line in Week 7.
Fortunately, Micah Parsons produced a career-high three sacks, while Rashan Gary flipped the game with a strip sack. But at defensive tackle, one Green Bay defender is going under the radar, stepping into a larger role and setting the foundation for a strong defensive squad: Colby Wooden.
Wooden, the fourth-round pick from 2023, has stepped up during Wyatt's absence. He secured a starting position at left defensive tackle following Clark's departure, and with large shoes to fill, the 24-year-old is coming into his own. His performance against Arizona this Sunday was the best of his career.
Colby Wooden is emerging as breakout star in Packers' defense
Recording six tackles, three pressures, and one tackle for loss, Wooden earned a PFF grade of 86.0, second only to Micah Parsons, who finished with an elite 92.6.
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His presence along the defensive line caused problems for Jacoby Brissett, including a pressure that pushed Arizona's QB into a hit from Gary, forcing a crucial fumble.
"Those guys have done a lot of great things." Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said of Wooden and Karl Brooks, who has filled in during Wyatt's injury. "Both of them made some very impactful plays."
While Wyatt's availability will be reexamined this week for Sunday's showdown against Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers, Wooden is ready to disrupt opponents along the line of scrimmage.
He won't put up insane stats like Parsons, but his presence as an interior defender helps make Micah's highlight-reel moments possible. With Clark in Dallas, Wooden is beginning to take advantage of his newfound responsibilities and has a chance to establish himself as an essential piece of the Green Bay defense.