Packers rookie C Josh Myers to miss a couple games with knee injury
The Green Bay Packers will more than likely be without starting center for at least a couple of games, according to head coach Matt LaFleur. LaFleur usually withholds an injury update until later in the week, but he had no reservations about making the assertion on Monday.
“Most likely yes,” LaFleur said when asked if Myers will miss games.
Myers exited Sunday’s game during the first series after a run play saw him go down awkwardly. He was able to walk off the field under his own power and then had his knee examined in the blue medical tent. Eventually, Myers was taken back to the locker room for further evaluation and ruled out for the remainder of the game.
The Packers don’t think the knee injury will be season-ending.
Myers was replaced by veteran Lucas Patrick, who started at center last week while Myers was out with a finger injury.
Contrary to last week, Patrick did not take a single rep with the starters during practice. However, he was more than ready to come off the bench when needed.
The Packers’ offense stalled on their first drive but eventually got things going to accumulate 323 yards of total offense. Green Bay posted a new season-high for rushing yards with 154 yards between Aaron Jones, A.J. Dillon and Aaron Rodgers.
Patrick received a running blocking grade of 72.5 from Pro Football Focus. In pass protection, Patrick allowed only one pressure in 28 snaps and finished as the team’s highest-graded lineman, per PFF.
LaFleur also said Patrick was the team’s highest-graded offensive lineman.
Green Bay is lucky to have a guy with Patrick’s versatility. Not many guys can step in on a moment’s notice and play a multitude of positions at a high level. He has started 23 games dating back to 2017 and is the leading candidate to replace Myers moving forward.
“He’s a guy you can always count on,” LaFleur said Patrick. “I thought he had an outstanding performance.”
The Packers are very high on Myers after using a second-round pick to select him in this year’s draft. Even as a rookie, it didn’t take long for Myers to fill the void left by Corey Linsley. Myers seamlessly stepped into the starting role and quickly earned the trust and respect of Rodgers, as well as other peers.
However, the valuable experience Myers has accumulated through five starts during his rookie season will have to be put on hold.
List
Packers PFF grades: Best, worst players from Week 6 vs. Bears
