Green Bay Packers: Could the Packers' Injuries Finally Be Catching Up to Them?

The Green Bay Packers lost their first game of the season this week against the Kansas City Chiefs, ruining their hopes of an undefeated season.  However, this may be the least of their worries.  Not only did the Packers get handed a defeat, but their already depleted offensive line suffered two more major injuries. 

Up until this week, the injuries to the Green Bay Packers’ roster throughout this season have barely even seen a glimpse of light shed on them. But on Sunday, when matters got worse with right tackle Bryan Bulaga going down, followed by his backup, rookie Derek Sherrod, suddenly the accumulation of critical injuries became much more apparent.

Already playing without starting left tackle Chad Clifton, the Packers’ depth on the offensive line almost instantly went from slim to none. To counter the injuries, a few players were shifted around and forced to play out of position. The result was poor pass protection, leading to four sacks on Aaron Rodgers, as well as five quarterback hits, leaving the quarterback understandably less in sync compared to normal. 

Along with offensive line injuries, the Packers were also playing without top rusher James Starks and top receiver Greg Jennings. And unfortunately, on a day when Rodgers needed help most, he received very little from his other top offensive weapons. Jermichael Finley and Donald Driver dropped numerous passes, and Jordy Nelson was called for two pass interference penalties. 

Sherrod was diagnosed with a broken leg and will likely not see the field again this season, while the timetable on the return for Bulaga is unknown without an MRI on his injured knee. If Bulaga is out for a few games (or worse, the season) and Clifton does not make a return, Rodgers may have to deal with this lack of protection for the duration of the regular season and possibly into playoffs.