On Thanksgiving Day, the Green Bay Packers faced an incredibly tough test against the Detroit Lions on the road. After beating the Lions in Week 1, pulling off a season sweep would be no easy task.
Despite facing a tough team on the road, the Packers were able to come through with a huge win. They finished off the game with a final score of 31-28. Green Bay moved to 8-3-1 with the victory.
Not only did the Packers pull off a win, they also made a strong statement. The team has had some struggles in recent weeks and that had led to many doubting whether or not they were a true contender. Sweeping the Lions was a clear message that Green Bay is still for real.
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Unfortunately, the Packers did not exit this week without suffering a major loss as well. Devonte Wyatt, the team’s rising star defensive tackle, had his leg rolled up on and exited the game.
Following the win, head coach Matt LaFleur spoke out with an update about Wyatt. The news is not good for Green Bay.
“It doesn’t look good, guys. I’m sick for him,” LaFleur said bluntly.
When head coaches talk about an injury in the way that LaFleur did, it usually signals a season-ending injury. Fans can always hold out hope, but there doesn’t seem to be an optimistic outlook at all for Wyatt.
So far this season, Wyatt has made a massive impact for the Packers’ defense. He has played in 10 games, racking up 27 total tackles to go along with four sacks and two defended passes.
Wyatt stands in at 6-foot-3 and 304 pounds. Losing him will be a tough blow for Green Bay’s defensive front. He was a big part of the team’s run defense, while also being a more than capable pass rusher from the defensive tackle position.
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Assuming the 27-year-old will miss the rest of the season, the Packers will need young players to step up. Most notably, Green Bay has the rookie due of Warren Brinson and Nazir Stackhouse who could step into much bigger roles. Karl Brooks will also be asked to shoulder a bigger load.
No single player can fill the void left by Wyatt. Green Bay will need a group of players to come together.
Next up for the Packers will be another big NFC North rivalry matchup. They will play host to the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field in Week 14.
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