The Green Bay Packers feel really comfortable with their off-ball linebacker room, but there's a positive injury update that can help them even more. Former first-round pick Quay Walker is still in the concussion protocol, head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed, but he returned to practice on Thursday and is officially listed as questionable to play. The fact that he is advancing in the protocol days after suffering the concussion is an obviously positive sign.
Quay Walker, who has been the starting middle linebacker and who has the communication green dot for the Packers this season, left the Houston Texans game early after a head injury. He was quickly ruled out with a concussion.
Walker didn't practice on Wednesday, but was able to participate in the activities on Thursday and Friday.
Depth at the position
Happily for the Packers, regardless of Walker's situation, is that the linebacker depth is much better than it had been. The team has rookie second-rounder Edgerrin Cooper having an impact week in and week out, and veteran Eric Wilson as a surprisingly positive defensive contributor, beyond Isaiah McDuffie as a role player.
"There's been no falloff. Just Eric Wilson's ability to go in there, and we just feel really good about that room overall," head coach Matt LaFleur said on Thursday. "All those guys are doing a great job. I think Haff (Jeff Hafley) has done a great job with them and (linebackers coach) Anthony Campanile and (defensive assistant) Sean Duggan in that room as well. So, really confident with that room."
Without Walker, the Packers decided to put Wilson in as the playcalling middle linebacker. He did a good job, even though the plan is to keep rotating players so they can take advantage of each player's ability on the field.
"I keep mixing it up, based on what they're going to come out in and how we match them up," defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley mentioned. "I think you saw us take one more step in creativity last week, and I think you'll continue to see it build the more our guys know and understand and that's where we're starting to get to."
The Packers also have third-round rookie Ty'Ron Hopper, but he hasn't played many defensive snaps.
Injury report
Cornerback Corey Ballentine, who has an ankle injury and did not practice all week, is officially listed as doubtful. It means he is not expected to play. Center Josh Myers (wrist) and defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt (ankle) are questionable.
Cornerback Jaire Alexander (groin), defensive tackle Kenny Clark (toe), guard Elgton Jenkins (glute), cornerback Keisean Nixon (hamstring), wide receiver Jayden Reed (ankle), wide receiver Christian Watson (ankle), and defensive tackle Colby Wooden (knee) are all off the injury report and good to go.
