Packer Notes: Injury Update on Nick Barnett and Brandon Chillar

by Brandon on Oct 7, 2010 7:19 AM CDT in Green Bay Packers News

The news that Green Bay Packers LB Nick Barnett is facing the prospect of season ending wrist surgery came as a surprise since he hurt it during the Lions game, but then returned with a cast on his wrist. From Mike McCarthy:

(Is there a possibility you could miss Barnett for an extended period of time?)
Yeah, there is definitely a possibility. That’s why there is more information being gathered in Nick Barnett’s case. He’s been here every day getting treatment and he is going to see another doctor on Friday.

As Greg Bedard tweeted, it isn't a question of if he needs surgery, but when. And the hits just keep coming from Mike McCarthy:

(Have you guys determined how serious the injuries to Barnett and Chillar are?)
I would put them in the same category. They are both getting second opinions, gathering more information. That is something that is probably going to go on through the week.

Greg Bedard's tweet about LB Brandon Chillar's injured shoulder, he missed last week against the Lions, said it doesn't seem like a season-ending injury, but he's not likely to play against the Redskins either.

The good news is that while these injuries have taken out their top two inside linebackers, this is an area of considerable depth. LB A.J. Hawk will likely never leave the field again, and some combination of LB Brady Poppinga and LB Desmond Bishop should take over in Barnett's place.

The bad news is that all three replacement middle linebackers are worse in pass coverage. I've never been a fan of Poppinga, but he doesn't miss any assignments (even if he can't fight through a block). Bishop has been known as Mr. August and may finally get a chance to show he's a starting caliber LB.

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I met Bishop

very nice guy, but I was amazed at how small he is. His frame is not nearly as big as George Koonce who was at the same deal.

Here’s hoping he steps up – we certainly need it!

by gern blanston on Oct 7, 2010 8:49 AM CDT reply actions

man...

I hope the initial analysis is wrong and Barnett is fine. We need him out there to anchor that young group of players!!

by TrevorR on Oct 7, 2010 10:12 AM CDT reply actions

When life gives you lemons...

…throw them at the opposing team.

"Show me a good loser, and I'll show you a loser." - Vince Lombardi

by AdamA on Oct 7, 2010 11:24 AM CDT reply actions

So we're looking at fielding a defense of

LB – Frank Zombo (rookie), Desmond Bishop, AJ Hawk, and CM3
Secondary – Charles Woodson, Derrick Martin, Jarrett Bush, and Tramon WIlliams

That should strike fear into the hearts of everyone right?!?

by Goldenarmadillo4 on Oct 7, 2010 1:00 PM CDT reply actions

Everyone on APC that is...

by Omaha Sun on Oct 7, 2010 10:57 PM CDT up reply actions

sigh…I will reserve my criticism until I see how they perform as a group but usually if a group involves Jarrett Bush its going to leave me disappointed.

by TrevorR on Oct 8, 2010 4:50 PM CDT up reply actions

Poppinga at MLB?

When has poppinga ever practice at MLB? I know they brought up Maurice simpkins up from the practice squad to be a back up/special teams player for the redskins game this Sunday.

by PACK3RS on Oct 7, 2010 1:17 PM CDT via mobile reply actions

Personally, I always thought Poppinga would be a better ILB than OLB.

by Strohman on Oct 7, 2010 5:58 PM CDT up reply actions

TIME FOR THE MEN TO SEPARATE

themselves from the boys. OUr offense will be fine. Woodson has been separating himself for the last 4 years as has CM3 and Jenkins.
It’s time for Bishop to make some big hits and Hawke to redeem himself in pass coverage. If only our secondary can hold up. Bush and Martin worry me, but what are you gonna do. Bite the bullet and hope Raji, Jenkins, Myabe Neal plays this game? and Outside linebackers wreak havoc on McNabb.

Time for Pack to put up or shut up!

Anyone know if Neal is gonna play and what about Pickett, is he back yet, or am i an idiot and haven’t noticed.

by stallis on Oct 7, 2010 2:40 PM CDT reply actions

the offense hasn’t really been on the field much to get injured. It’s not a wonder ot me that we’re having problems on defense.

by gern blanston on Oct 7, 2010 4:31 PM CDT up reply actions

Neal played last week, and Pickett did too. Neal looked pretty good. He blew up a run play in the back field and caused a fumble. Hopefully he continues to play well. We need it.

by packallday555 on Oct 8, 2010 10:03 AM CDT up reply actions

We are going to HAVE to blitz this week to force McNabb to throw the ball quickly!

by TrevorR on Oct 8, 2010 4:51 PM CDT up reply actions

Well, one welcome effect of this horrible news

is that I don’t have to hear anymore of the “trade AJ Hawk, he’s worthless!!” idiocy anymore.

And I suspect this circumstance will also quiet those who think Dez Bishop is so much better than Hawk and Barnett.

by 400metres on Oct 7, 2010 4:13 PM CDT reply actions

according to Bedard

Dominic Douglas is going to try out for the Packers on Monday.

by Nick Barnett's Afro on Oct 7, 2010 5:32 PM CDT reply actions

Thanx Bedard...

But what can you tell us about him?

by Strohman on Oct 7, 2010 6:01 PM CDT up reply actions

Barnett is replaceable

Barnett has never been a fast inside linebacker, especially after his knee injury. His slow speed, poor angles, and over pursuing makes him replaceable in my eyes.

by Ryanweiss13 on Oct 7, 2010 8:59 PM CDT reply actions

Being fast is and always has been Barnett’s game. While he’s not dominating like he was a few years ago in the 4-3, he’s still really solid. Good luck finding anyone as good who knows what they’re doing in our defense from the list of street free agents and practice squad players.

by Mr. Saturn on Oct 8, 2010 4:21 AM CDT up reply actions

I agree but we don’t really have anyone to replace him.

by packallday555 on Oct 8, 2010 10:04 AM CDT up reply actions

Trade for Phillip Dillard from the Giants.

by Omaha Sun on Oct 7, 2010 10:58 PM CDT reply actions

The Packers signed LB Maurice Simpkins to the team from the practice squad. He was with the Packers in the preseason. Also he was with the Green Bay Blizzard in 2010 where he was named the IFL most improved player for that year (I suppose that means the staff may have seen him play). I’ve never seen an IFL game, but isn’t it a pass-heavy league? Does that mean he’s a pass-play replacement for Hawk (possibly)?

The team also signed LB Johnny Williams to the practice squad. He was with Jacksonville for the 2009 preseason, Pittsburgh practice squad in 2009, and Denver this preseason.

by GinSlinger on Oct 8, 2010 10:58 AM CDT reply actions

Barnett

He’s supposed to go in for a second opinion today. Supposedly the surgery is recommended for “quality of life” issues (as opposed to playing issues I guess).

by GinSlinger on Oct 8, 2010 11:00 AM CDT reply actions

That’s what I read too. I haven’t found an update yet.

by packallday555 on Oct 8, 2010 3:46 PM CDT up reply actions

MM said in his press conference that Nick had had the consultation, but the two hadn’t spoken yet. It appears that Nick is first going to talk to the team doctors. MM made it seem that we could expect to hear word tomorrow (since he’s already been ruled out for Sunday, it wouldn’t change Washington’s game plan).

Looks like the reports of the injury are all over the place, I won’t hold my breath, but I’m not going to gnash my teeth yet.

by GinSlinger on Oct 8, 2010 5:48 PM CDT up reply actions