We got some injury updates from Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur on Monday, as he discussed the injuries to linebacker Ty’Ron Hopper and left guard Aaron Banks for the first time.
According to LaFleur, Hopper’s injury actually happened pre-game, leading to Hopper bringing up that he felt something in his chest going into the game. After two defensive snaps, Hopper was pulled from action, replaced by special teams linebacker Nick Niemann.
LaFleur doesn’t think that it’s a major factor moving
forward, so there’s a good chance we see Hopper back on the field on Sunday. On the subject of Isaiah McDuffie, LaFleur said he wasn’t worried. Hopefully, the Packers have more than just two linebackers available versus the Minnesota Vikings, which was the scenario the team was in late in the game on Sunday.
On the Banks front, LaFleur stated that Banks was dealing with a groin injury during the game. While getting his groin worked on, Kevin Zeitler entered the game (at right guard, with Laken Tomlinson flopping to left guard). After that one drive, Banks came back onto the field but was eventually displaced by Zeitler again. LaFleur stated that was a coaching decision.
When asked about the guard situation, he replied, “We’ll evaluate that moving forward.” So far, six players have played the position for the Packers this season. LaFleur also said he’s “hopeful it’s not” a lingering injury for Banks.
Lastly, when the subject of running back Josh Jacobs’ surgery came up, the head coach was hesitant to commit to a timeline. Going into the press conference, there were mixed reports on whether the injured reserve was on the table for Jacobs.
