Packers place Mike Daniels on IR, ending his season

While Jake Kumerow appears set to make his 2018 regular-season debut following his activation off injured reserve, his return requires the Green Bay Packers to create a roster spot on their 53-man roster. They did so by placed standout defensive lineman Mike Daniels on injured reserve on Saturday, ending his season.

Daniels hasn’t played since injuring his foot during the fourth quarter of a Week 11 matchup with the Seattle Seahawks. The team had already ruled out the veteran defensive lineman for this Sunday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals when it announced his move to IR.

Though Daniels remained an effective interior defender in 2018, his pass rush production waned from previous seasons. The scheme change initiated by new defensive coordinator Mike Pettine, along with the emergence of fellow defensive lineman Kenny Clark, account for some of that change, but Daniels did not beat double-team blocks and hurry throws as frequently as in the past. He finishes the year with just two sacks and five quarterback hits.

In addition to Daniels, the Packers placed injured returner Trevor Davis on IR and promoted fullback Danny Vitale to the active roster.