Packers rookie LB Quay Walker split 1st-team reps with incumbent Krys Barnes in spring, operating next to De'Vondre Campbell. According to Bill Huber of SI.com's Packer Central, "it's been all Walker" there since training camp began. That's not shocking, given Green Bay chose Walker in Round 1 as the 1st off-ball LB. Huber adds that the Packers haven't run a single snap of "dime" defense in camp, an alignment that includes just 1 LB. Green Bay lined up in that formation 24% of the time last season, so we should certainly expect some this year. But the team might also be looking to keep both Campbell and Walker on the field more than it used 2-LB sets in 2021. That would obviously help Walker's IDP upside. Green Bay extended Campbell this offseason at a rate that clearly indicates the plan to keep him in a 3-down role.
The Packers chose DT Devonte Wyatt with the 28th pick in the NFL Draft. Wyatt should enhance the Green Bay run defense and help create space for other Green Bay front-7 defenders. He doesn't carry much IDP upside, though.
The Packers spent the 1st of their 2 first-round NFL Draft picks on Georgia LB Quay Walker. The 1st LB off the board, Walker arrives just shy of his 22nd birthday and posted a 95th-percentile speed score at the Combine. His numbers were limited in a loaded Bulldogs defense, and Walker might be hard-pressed for full-time duty as a rookie. Green Bay re-signed De'Vondre Campbell for big money in free agency, including $15 million in guaranteed money, after he served as their only full-time off-ball LB last season. Walker looks intriguing long term for IDP use, though.
The Packers have inked a 4-year extension with EDGE Preston Smith that includes $52.5 million in new money, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Smith had 1 year remaining on his previous deal with no guaranteed money, which had led to him being mentioned as a cut candidate. The new contract lowers his 2022 cap number while securing Smith into his 30s.
Packers LB De'Vondre Campbell is inactive for today's game against the Lions. It's not surprising after Campbell carried a questionable tag into a game that's meaningless or Green Bay. Expect Krys Barnes and Oren Burks to work as the top 2 non-edge LBs against Detroit.
The Packers on Wednesday activated CB Jaire Alexander. He had been on IR since suffering a Week 4 shoulder injury. It's not yet clear whether Alexander will be ready to play Sunday night against the Vikings. This week marked the deadline for either returning Alexander to the active roster or ending his season. At this point, we wouldn't bet on Alexander returning to a full-time role this week. Rasul Douglas has filled in well for a good-performing defense. We'll watch for clues as to the Week 17 plan, though.
The Packers have activated DT Kenny Clark from the COVID list, making him eligible to play Saturday against the Browns.
The Packers on Thursday placed DT Kenny Clark on the COVID list, meaning he'll likely miss Sunday's visit to Baltimore.
The Packers have activated LB De'Vondre Campbell off the COVID list. He'll be ready to play Sunday night against the Bears.
The Packers have designated CB Jaire Alexander to return from IR. HC Matt LaFleur told reporters Wednesday that Alexander would be taking part in individual drills only, according to ESPN's Rob Demovsky. Alexander has been out since Week 4 with a shoulder injury, so we wouldn't be surprised if he's not quite ready for Sunday night's game against the Bears. Green Bay has 3 weeks now to decide whether to return their lead CB to the active roster or deactivate him for the season. When/if Alexander does return, it would likely push CB Rasul Douglas to a reserve role.
Packers LB De'Vondre Campbell landed on the COVID list Tuesday after testing positive, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Fortunately for Campbell, Green Bay gets a Week 13 bye. We'll see whether the virus challenges his availability for Week 14.
Packers EDGE Rashan Gary (elbow) is inactive for today's game against the Vikings, leaving Green Bay without a key edge rusher. DL Kingsley Keke (concussion) is active.
Packers DT Kenny Clark is questionable for Sunday's game against the Seahawks with a back injury. Clark put in limited practices all week. We'll check his status Sunday afternoon, but the 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff might make Clark tough to wait for in IDP lineups. Fellow DL Kingsley Keke (concussion) is doubtful. CB Eric Stokes (knee) is questionable.
Packers DT Kenny Clark left Sunday's loss to the Chiefs with a back injury and did not return. We'll see about the severity and timeline for his return. Green Bay hosts Seattle in Week 10.
Packers S Darnell Savage (concussion) is active for today's game against Washington. OLB Preston Smith (oblique) and CB Kevin King (shoulder) are out.
Packers S Darnell Savage is questionable for Sunday's game against Washington with a concussion. OLB Preston Smith (oblique) and CB Kevin King (shoulder) are also questionable. None is a high-level IDP option.
Packers S Darnell Savage left Sunday's win over the Bears with a concussion. We'll see whether he can get through the league protocol in time for next Sunday's game against Washington.
The Packers on Saturday placed CB Jaire Alexander on IR. The move is not surprising after HC Matt LaFleur said this week that they’re hoping rest will allow Alexander to avoid shoulder surgery. Alexander will miss at least 3 games. Kevin King and rookie Eric Stokes figure to start on the outside while Alexander is out
The Packers have ruled CB Jaire Alexander out for Sunday's game against the Bengals, and it sounds like we should expect him to miss time beyond that. HC Matt LaFleur said Friday that the team plans to let Alexander's injured shoulder heal in hopes that he can avoid what would be season-ending surgery. "We're hopeful that it'll heal the right way and he'll be back with us in a matter of weeks," the coach said, according to Packers Wire. Alexander's absence enhances the matchup for opposing WRs.
The Packers have agreed to terms with LB Jaylon Smith. The veteran got released by Dallas earlier this week. We'll see how quickly he can get into the Green Bay lineup and how big a role the team has in mind. We'd bet on De'Vondre Campbell maintaining the top ILB job, but Smith's signing says the Packers like him more than Krys Barnes and Oren Burks.
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