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Packers starting defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt.
The Green Bay Packers are eyeing some reinforcements for the interior of their defensive line amid injury concerns with defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt.
According to the NFL’s official transaction wire, the Packers hosted defensive tackles Tommy Akingbesote, Anthony Campbell, Keondre Coburn, Fabien Lovett and Omari Thomas on Monday for roster workouts ahead of their first practice for Week 6.
Coburn — a 2023 sixth-round pick for Kansas City — is the only of the five workout players who has played regular-season NFL snaps, having appeared in six games for the Chiefs and 19 games (with one start) for the Tennessee Titans in his first two seasons. He has also played far more defensive snaps (233) than special teams snaps (26).
Akingbesote could also intrigue the Packers. A seventh-round rookie, he recorded four total tackles (one for a loss) in three preseason appearances for the Dallas Cowboys in August, though the Cowboys did not retain him for their 53-man roster. He also spent two weeks on the Carolina Panthers’ practice squad but did not receive an elevation.
The Packers (2-1-1) did not announce any roster moves following the workouts, but they could still sign one of the five workout players before facing the Cincinnati Bengals (2-3) on Sunday. All five are likely practice-squad candidates, not 53-man roster targets.
Workouts Raise Concerns About Devonte Wyatt’s Status
Whether the Packers sign any of the five workout players could depend on the condition of Wyatt, who is still nursing a knee injury that forced him out early in Week 4’s draw.
Wyatt exited in the second quarter against the Cowboys after landing awkwardly on his knee in an attempt to chase down running back Miles Sanders at the end of a run play. While he walked off under his own power, he did not return for the rest of the game.
The Packers, who had led 13-2 when Wyatt left the game, allowed the Cowboys to rack up 38 points without their top defensive tackle, settling for a 40-40 tie in prime time.
During the bye week, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur classified Wyatt’s knee injury as “week-to-week,” but the 2022 first-round pick also did not practice Monday to start the week of preparation for the Bengals. While the Packers could provide more clues as to his status when they release the week’s first injury report on Wednesday, he likely won’t suit up for them on Sunday afternoon if he remains a non-participant at practice.
Devonte Wyatt Remains Biggest Injury After Bye Week
Wyatt’s injury could become a concern for the Packers against the Bengals, especially after how much their defensive interior struggled in his absence against the Cowboys.
Fortunately for them, they are otherwise looking much healthier after the bye week.
The Packers had both of their injured starting offensive linemen — right tackle Zach Tom (oblique) and left guard Aaron Banks (groin) — back at practice on Monday, seemingly giving both of them a shot at playing after missing the Cowboys game.
The Packers also opened the 21-day practice windows for both wide receiver Christian Watson and interior offensive lineman Jacob Monk to return to the 53-man roster. Watson had started the season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list as he recovered from last January’s ACL tear, while Monk landed on the injured reserve list with a return designation when the team made its 53-man roster cuts in August.
Wyatt and second-round rookie right tackle Anthony Belton (ankle) were the only two Packers on the 53-man roster who did not participate in Monday’s first practice.
Jordan J. Wilson is a sports reporter who covers the NFL and MLB for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers. He has previously covered all levels of sports — high school, college and pro — for a variety of publications including The Indianapolis Star, The News-Gazette, Springfield State-Journal Register and Peoria Journal Star. More about Jordan J. Wilson
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