Should Packers Be Concerned About Recent Rashan Gary News?
On Friday the Packers placed multiple players on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. These players include Rashan Gary, Eric Stokes, backup center Jake Hanson, and WR Jeff Cotton.
While players on the PUP list can be activated at any time during training camp, things become more complicated once the regular season begins. If a player remains on the PUP list at the start of the season, they must miss at least the first four games.
Gary, the talented edge rusher, suffered an ACL injury in November of the previous year during a game against the Detroit Lions. The impact of his absence on the Packers' defense was evident, with the team's pressure percentage plummeting after his injury. Considering Gary's vital role in Joe Barry's defense, his return to full strength is essential for the Packers' success in the upcoming season.
Despite Gary's inclusion on the training camp PUP list, there is no need for immediate alarm. Recovering from an ACL injury typically takes between 9 to 12 months, and considering Gary's injury occurred just around nine months ago, his placement on the list is unsurprising. The Packers' tend to be cautious when it comes to returning from serious injuries, as they prioritize the long-term well-being of their athletes over short-term gains.
Nevertheless, there is a sense of urgency for the Packers, as Gary is heading into the final year of his contract after the team exercised their fifth-year option on him. If fully healthy, the Packers undoubtedly want to secure his services for years to come, given his exceptional talent and past performance. However, making a significant financial commitment without complete certainty about his recovery presents a considerable risk.
The Packers have likely been monitoring Gary's progress closely, but without observing him in live game situations, true confidence in his recovery cannot be established. It is crucial for the team to ensure that Gary can regain his peak form before committing to a substantial and long-term contract extension.
Should Gary miss any regular-season games, the Packers will undoubtedly feel the impact of his absence. However, they do have some options in the form of Lukas Van Ness, who can play on the edge and provide some relief if necessary. Nevertheless, there is no substitute for the game-changing abilities that Gary possesses when he is fully fit and firing on all cylinders.
The team is also dealing with cornerback Eric Stokes' recovery, who suffered a serious lisfranc injury last November. Despite Bill Huber's recent report suggesting Stokes' recovery is on track, the Packers will be keeping a close eye on his progress throughout training camp and the preseason.
As training camp approaches, the Packers' coaching staff and fans alike are eager to see how the injured players progress and whether they can be activated off the PUP list. A positive sign in camp would provide some much-needed reassurance about the players' readiness for the upcoming season.
Rashan Gary’s presence on the field is undoubtedly a game-changer for the defense, and the team is wisely taking a cautious approach to his recovery. As the 2023 season unfolds, all eyes will be on Gary and his ability to regain his peak form, and only then will the Packers feel confident in making a long-term commitment to their standout edge rusher.
PS: I posted another episode of my NFL podcast which you can listen to by clicking below. Topics include Aaron Rodgers handling himself different in New York Vs Green Bay, Saquon Barkley’s response to not getting a long term deal and more.
(This article was taken from the transcript of my original youtube video “Should Packers Be Concerned About Recent Rashan Gary News?” and then put together by an editor.)