On Wednesday, the Green Bay Packers practiced for the first time in week three to prepare for their game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday. Injuries are of course on fans' minds, and therein lies the major point of today's update.
Here is the injury report announced during head coach Mike McCarthy's press conference, which finds three starters affected:
Limited Participation
OT Bryan Bulaga (knee)
S Micah Hyde (knee)
Did Not Participate
CB Casey Hayward (glute)
ILB Brad Jones (quad)
Out
OLB Andy Mulumba (knee)
Mulumba's appearance is of course no surprise, as he confirmed this morning that he has an ACL injury. Mike McCarthy also confirmed this, saying that the linebacker is "lost for the season." Expect Mulumba to go on Injured Reserve soon and for a corresponding roster move (likely a promotion from the practice squad) to follow.
Casey Hayward's injury kept him out for Sunday's game against the Jets, and he sat out practice today. McCarthy was careful to clarify that it was not that same hamstring injury that has plagued him over the past 12 months, but it is still a soft tissue injury and is certainly worth watching. In the meantime, Davon House played very well on the outside in the nickel and dime packages, while Tramon Williams was very good moving to the slot. Still, with Calvin Johnson and company up next, every able body in the secondary will be appreciated.
Speaking of able bodies in the secondary, safety Micah Hyde appears on track to play this Sunday with his knee injury. Though he was limited in practice today, Hyde said afterwards that he feels "positive" that he'll play against the Lions.
Bryan Bulaga's injury bears monitoring as well, as whichever Packers right tackle plays will likely be dealing with a physical freak in Ezekiel Ansah on Sunday. Especially on the artificial turf against a faster player, Derek Sherrod could probably be expected to struggle somewhat, so Bulaga's ability to play should be an important factor. Mike McCarthy said that he was "absolutely" more optimistic about Bulaga returning this week than he was a week ago at this time, though, so that's at least a sign of good things going on with his recovery from his MCL sprain.
Keep it here for more updates on injury statuses and availability for the Packers as the week goes along.