Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Packer Plus
Packers’ Mercilus likely lost for season
Green Bay — On a first-and-10 early in Sunday’s third quarter, veteran pass rusher Whitney Mercilus beat Seattle Seahawks left tackle Duane Brown off the snap, wrapped both arms around quarterback Russell Wilson, and appeared poised for his second sack.
In that moment, Mercilus appeared to be finding a rhythm in his fourth game since joining the Green Bay Packers. It took a few weeks after arriving from the Houston Texans, where he was released last month, to settle into the Packers’ defense. With him wrapping up Wilson, Mercilus’ signing was starting to pay off.
Just as Mercilus was beginning to establish himself in the Packers’ defense, he appears to have departed it. Wilson broke free from the 10th-year veteran’s sack Sunday, and the force injured Mercilus’ biceps. Coach Matt LaFleur described it as a serious injury Monday, indicating his season is over.
“That’s a tough one,” LaFleur said. “Man, I feel bad for him. Shoot, he would’ve had potentially a second sack right there. Just the stability he brings to that room. This guy is a pro’s pro. He’s been doing it at a very high level for a long time. It’s just one of those unfortunate things that happens.”
Mercilus’ injury is expected to be the most significant of three injuries the Packers sustained Sunday.
Gary’s elbow injury not expected to be long term
In the fourth quarter, Rashan Gary hyperextended his elbow while diving to make a third-down tackle on Seahawks running Travis Homer. Gary did not return to the game. LaFleur said tests were still being done to evaluate Gary. However, it is not expected to be a longterm issue.
“I am confirming the #DTrain is full steam ahead,” Gary tweeted, “and if it’s in my power,#BANEGary is on board.”
The Packers will be without Mercilus and could be without Gary when they travel to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.
With Za’Darius Smith still on injured reserve, that leaves a very thin depth chart.
Much of the burden will fall on veteran Preston Smith. He has three sacks and seven quarterback hits in seven games, production closer resembling last season than his breakout 2019. Still, Smith might be the lone, proven edge rusher in the Packers defense this week.
Jonathan Garvin, a seventh-round pick in his second year, could get his first start this week if Gary can’t play.
Garvin has flashed some production in 268 snaps this season, recording 11⁄2 sacks and five quarterback hits. He remains more of a depth option, but this week might be thrust into a leading role.
The Packers released LaDarius Hamilton last week. They initially signed him off the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ practice squad in September. He might be an option to replace Mercilus’ impending move to injured reserve.
Between Mercilus and Gary’s injuries, the Packers also dodged a potentially season-altering injury with running back Aaron Jones. The running back tore his MCL, the fourth time in his career – and third time in his right knee – he’s had an MCL tear. LaFleur made clear the Packers got a break with Jones’ injury not being more severe.
“I don’t think it’s going to be long term,” he said.