The Packers pass rush played its best game since Week 3 last Sunday against the Houston Texans. For the majority of the season, Green Bay has struggled to pressure opposing quarterbacks. Coming off a four sack performance, the Packers received a bit of good news during their first practice of the week with the return of DL Devonte Wyatt. Despite not playing since Week 4 against the Vikings, Wyatt is still the team leader in sacks.
In the victory over Houston, the Packers managed to pressure Texans QB CJ Stroud on 51.7% of his drop backs. Stroud was overwhelmed by the Packers defense on Sunday. Jeff Hafley looks like he has discovered a pass rush method that is effective so it is the perfect time for Green Bay to add Wyatt back into the fold. Additionally, Kenny Clark and Rashon Gary played their best games on Sunday. Reinserting Wyatt into the mix with two key players who are turning the corner, adds a whole other element to Hafley’s pass rushing scheme.
At the moment, Wyatt’s status for Sunday’s game in Jacksonville is up in the air. There is no guarantee he plays. Green Bay may decide to hold Wyatt out to give him more time to return to full strength. Either way, Devonte Wyatt is nearing a comeback and that is encouraging for a Packers defense who has strung together three straight promising performances.
Fingers Crossed Devonte Wyatt Returns to His Old Self
It is no secret that ankle injuries can linger. Typically, ankle injuries take time to fully heal. The Packers opted not to place Wyatt on IR which would indicate that initially, the team believed he would return within four weeks. This week is the four week mark for Wyatt. Devonte Wyatt did speak to reporters in the locker room after practice Wednesday. Wyatt said, “I should be able to go this Sunday”, which is awful encouraging to hear.
Devonte Wyatt ranks second on the Packers in QB pressure rate behind Rashon Gary. Getting Wyatt back from injury will be extremely beneficial. Hafley has done a phenomenal job dialing up different pressure looks and generating sacks from unique blitzes. If Kenny Clark can carry his performance against the Texans into the next few weeks, having Wyatt line up next to Clark on third down will allow Hafley to cook with gas. The pressure that Wyatt and Clark can create up the middle will force opposing offenses to send extra protection that way, giving a blitzing linebacker, end rusher, or defensive back a free lane to the QB.
The next two days of practice will be pretty telling for Wyatt’s status on Sunday. If Wyatt can practice all three days, it would be an encouraging sign. It will be worth keeping an eye on his status as the rest of the week unfolds. The possibility of reinserting Devonte Wyatt to the defense that seems to be playing better and better each week is an exciting thought for Packer fans. Wyatt’s return is near and his presence will be a great benefit for this Green Bay defense. Fingers crossed he returns sooner than later and comes back at full strength.
