Thursday the Packers travelled to Canada for a third week pre-season match against the Oakland Raiders. The Pack came so close but ended their match with a score of 22 to 21.
Head coach Matt LaFleur changed the Packers roster last minute to leave a full 33 main players off the field for the match because playing conditions were less than ideal. Rain and cold kept the both teams from performing at their best.
Even with majority of LaFleur’s line-up on the field three key players for the 100th NFL season still managed to sustain injuries. Outside linebacker Rashan Gary managed to chase down Running Back James Butler but in the collision bent his neck backwards. A scary injury, but shortly after Gary walked off the field and then was carted to the locker rooms.
Inside linebacker Curtis Bolton suffered a massive knee injury and left the match with crutches, meaning at least a few weeks or more off the field. Lastly highly successful receiver Equanimeous St. Brown sustained a left ankle injury when his foot got stuck in the turf after a helmet to helmet collision.
These injuries don’t cripple the Packers as much as you would think. A lot of the Starters including Davante Adams, Aaron Jones, and Quaterback Aaron Rodgers were not on the field. And given LaFleur’s tactics none of these players will be taking to the field until the Season opener on September 5th at Soilder field against long lasting rivals the Chicago Bears.
The backup Quarterback position for the Pack is still up for grabs, and Tim Boyle shined in the first half with two touchdown passes. However, Rodgers backup is a huge role to fill. We’ll have to see what players have what it takes.
Now the Packers leave Winnipeg with a depressing loss, but they still have a few secret weapons yet to show the league. Watch this space.