Packers DE Lukas Van Ness said players need to step up after injuries
Green Bay Packers defensive end Lukas Van Ness said everyone needs to ‘stay ready’ to play after all the injuries of late.
GREEN BAY – Injuries are part of the game in the NFL.
But the Green Bay Packers have failed to overcome them in the last three games.
From losing star defensive end Micah Parsons to a season-ending ACL tear two weeks ago in Denver to quarterback Jordan Love missing the second half of the Chicago Bears game and the entire matchup with the Baltimore Ravens due to a concussion, this team has had its share of bad luck with injuries, but they refuse to use it as an excuse.
“Guys going down all over the league, that ain’t just happening to us, you know what I mean?” Packers nickel back Javon Bullard said. “No matter how we put it, we’ve got to ball. We get paid to ball. We’ve got to go out there and execute. We’ve got to trust what the coaches are telling us. We’ve got to execute at a high level. We didn’t do that tonight. Injuries ain’t got (expletive) to do with it. Ravens played like they wanted to win and they did that.”
Here’s an update on the Packers injury situation as they head into the final week of the regular season:
Jordan Love didn’t clear concussion protocol
The Packers announced the day before kickoff of their Week 17 game against the Ravens that Love was downgraded from questionable to out, giving Malik Willis the nod to start. Packers coach Matt LaFleur said Love didn’t clear the concussion protocol to play.
“There’s a lot of tests you’ve got to pass,” LaFleur said. “Unfortunately, he just – I think he’s feeling physically good, but they have those measures in place obviously to protect our players, and he didn’t pass the necessary tests to clear the protocol.”
In addition to Love, starting right tackle Zach Tom (knee) missed his second straight game.
Willis, who was dealing with a shoulder injury he suffered in Chicago, exited the fourth quarter of the Ravens game, but LaFleur said he could’ve returned if necessary.
The Packers were shorthanded coming into the Ravens game and had several players drop out during the contest, but they’ll be counting on their depth to contribute.
“When you come in, we expect you to play at the same standard that everybody else is playing – that Packers standard,” Packers defensive end Lukas Van Ness said. “Injuries are tough, but it’s an unfortunate part of the game. We’ll have to find ways for whether it’s first, second or third string to rally and play up to the standard, because we’re going to need everybody going into the postseason and this last game.”
In-game injuries pile up vs. RavensZayne Anderson
A backup safety and key member of the special teams, Zayne Anderson limped off the field after a first-half kickoff return and was carted back to the locker room. He was ruled out the rest of the game with an ankle injury.
Jordon Riley
The Packers were already thin on the defensive line and missed productivity from Parsons and Devonte Wyatt when they lost another defensive tackle. Jordon Riley was ruled out with an Achilles injury during the game. Riley joined the Packers earlier this month off the New York Giants’ practice squad. He had two solo tackles in four games played.
Nate Hobbs
Packers cornerback Nate Hobbs has had knee injuries throughout his debut season in Green Bay and suffered another setback against the Ravens. Coming off one of his best performances last week against the Bears, Hobbs left the second quarter of the Ravens game due to a knee injury. It happened when Hobbs collided with Ravens receiver Zay Flowers in the end zone.
Dontayvion Wicks
Wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks missed the second half after being evaluated for a concussion.
Kamal Hadden
Backup cornerback Kamal Hadden had a tough break. Getting some snaps in place of Carrington Valentine, Hadden suffered an ankle injury while being part of a tackle on Derrick Henry. He was carted off the field. LaFleur said he had no updates on injuries, but did say Hadden’s “didn’t look good.”
“I feel terrible for him,” LaFleur said. “It’s one of those unfortunate things that happens in football.”
LaFleur says it’s too early for decision on playing Jordan Love in Minnesota
When the Detroit Lions lost to the Minnesota Vikings on Christmas, the Packers clinched a playoff spot.
The team now will have to decide if they want to play starters for the regular-season finale in Minnesota or rest guys before the wild-card playoff round.
When it comes to Love playing next week, LaFleur is taking it day by day.
“I don’t want to speak too soon on that,” LaFleur said on Love’s availability. “We just want to get him through the protocol and then we’ll have a decision to make.”