Devonte Wyatt Injury Spells Trouble for Packers

For the second time in three years, the Green Bay Packers defeated the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving. Green Bay fans had a lot to be thankful for before desserts hit the table. However, they did not end the day without a loss. Defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt exited the game with a season-ending ankle injury late in the fourth quarter of the contest.

The Packers excelled in all three phases to complete the season sweep on Dan Campbell’s Lions in a 31-34 victory. The loss brings the Lions’ record to 7-5 and places the team outside of position to participate in the 2025 NFL playoffs. Coach Matt LaFleur and the Packers now find themselves within half a game of the NFC North lead.

But now the team must press forward without Wyatt. LaFleur highlighted the significance of the loss by stating, “I’m sick for him, I’m sick for us. I mean, that’s a critical loss for our football team, for our defense, obviously”.

The loss of Wyatt presents a significant challenge as the battle for the NFC North intensifies.

No Small Problem

Devonte Wyatt serves as the most proven defensive tackle on the Packers’ roster with little depth behind him. Green Bay employs a pair of rookies from the University of Georgia in Nazir Stackhouse and Warren Brinson, along with third year pro Colby Wooden, at defensive tackle. Defensive ends Lukas Van Ness and Karl Brooks have both contributed as interior defenders throughout the season. Each of these players will need to step up to replace Wyatt’s team leading 379 snaps for his position.

The timing of which Green Bay loses Wyatt is alarming. Defensive tackles play a significant role in slowing opponents’ rushing attack. The Packers’ final five games include three matchups against teams with a top five rushing offense between the Ravens and two contests against the Bears.

The Bears, are coming off a week where they had two runners exceed 125 yards. Their effort led to a statement victory over the defending Super Bowl champions. The NFC North race is shaping up to be a photo finish with the smallest error likely to cost the Packers a homefield playoff game. Stopping the run must be a priority in Green Bay, and the Packers must find a way to do it without Devonte Wyatt.

Surviving the Loss of Devonte Wyatt

The Packers need to adjust to life without Wyatt as quickly as possible. Week 14 is looming, and the Packers will host the Bears at Lambeau field. The winner of this matchup will take control of the NFC North and control their own destiny. The Packers will most likely mirror what they did in Wyatt’s first absence this season and fill the position via the aforementioned internal committee.

Alternative options include signing free agent Christian Wilkins, formerly of the Raiders, or elevating practice squad member James Ester. Both players come with concerns, as Wilkins has struggled with injuries and disciplinary issues, and Ester has never played in an NFL game. But Green Bay must explore all options at this critical point of the season.

Finally, LaFleur must allow the offense to keep their foot on the gas and force their opponents to keep pace. Jordan Love put on a master class performance against the Lions, and the Packers are built to play with a lead. LaFleur needs to empower Love to take control of these games. The impact of losing Wyatt will be exaggerated if the Packers’ opponents are able to shift into a run-heavy offense.

Green Bay’s response to Devonte Wyatt’s absence will define their season.

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