The Green Bay Packers defense was already facing an uphill battle, starting the year without All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons. Now, ahead of Week 2, the unit may have even more concerns.
Wednesday’s injury report revealed that both defensive tackle Javon Hargrave and edge rusher Lukas Van Ness were placed in concussion protocol following Week 1’s loss to the Minnesota Vikings. If one or both were to miss Sunday’s matchup vs. the New York Jets, it would create a major hole along the Packers’ defensive line.
Unfortunately, the injury woes don’t end there for Green Bay.
What’s the Packers’ Plan Without Javon Hargrave and/or Lukas Van Ness?
Concussions are serious business. So, it’s safe for the Packers to assume that they can’t assume when both Hargrave and Van Ness will be cleared.
As far as who will fill the void, there are few options. Devonte Wyatt was also a limited participant on Wednesday with an ankle injury, while fellow defensive tackle Warren Brinson remains out with a calf injury.
Rookies Chris McClellan and Dani Dennis-Sutton could be the next men up. McClellan, a 2026 third-round pick, played 28 snaps against the Vikings, lining up at nose tackle and end. Meanwhile, Dennis-Sutton, a fourth-rounder, played 21 defensive snaps, lining up predominantly on the outside.
Regardless of who steps in, if either Hargrave or Van Ness misses time, the Packers’ pass-rush will feel it.
LG Aaron Banks Remains Limited in Practice
Banks, bothered by knee tendinitis, missed Week 1 and remains limited in practice. Donovan Jennings replaced Banks in the lineup, but struggled like most of the Packers’ offensive line against the Vikings.
If Banks can’t go again on Sunday, it’s uncertain if Jennings will get another shot. Rookie Jager Burton, who impressed in camp, could get a look if the Packers want to shake things up.
RT Zach Bako-Bewele Still Working His Way Back
Bewele was limited for most of training camp recovering from offseason surgery. He started in Week 1 despite being listed as questionable, but didn’t play particularly well.
Against the Vikings, Bewele allowed four pressures, including a sack, earning a 57.6 run-blocking grade and a 58.7 pass-blocking grade, per Pro Football Focus.
It’s more likely than not that Bewele’s struggles are a result of his time away from the field. With more reps, he should be back to form.
