Packers news: Javon Hargrave passes concussion protocol, will play in TNF
· Yahoo Sports
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While the Green Bay Packers are still dealing with the seemingly never-ending Josh Jacobs saga, they also have a troubling number of injuries. But they got good news for Thursday Night Football against the Falcons, as defensive tackle Javon Hargravepassed the concussion protocol and will play, according to a post on X by Jeremy Fowler.
The Packers enter the contest with a shaky 1-1 start to the season. They had to pull off a comeback over the Jets to avoid a second straight loss.
Having Hargrave back will stabilize the defensive line. That’s important against the Falcons, who boast star running back Bijan Robinson. Also, the Falcons welcome quarterback Michael Penix Jr. back to the starting lineup.
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Hargrave is a 33-year-old 11th-year NFL veteran. He earned two Pro Bowl honors in his career. The first came in 2021 with the Eagles, while the second came in 2023 with the 49ers. Last year, Hargrave started 15 games for the Vikings.
Packers hoping to get defensive house in order
The Packers’ run defense will be tested tonight, but they’ve done well so far at stopping the run. It’s a matter of effort and technique, according to Packers.com.
“I just think that’s how we play,” linebacker Zaire Franklin said of the run defense. “I feel like letting somebody run the ball on you is a little disrespectful. We’ve just been executing. We’ve been in our gaps, playing it fast.
“It’s just getting downhill and trusting what we see in our eyes. I think the D-line has been playing amazing, whether that’s eating up space or making plays in the backfield.”
It’s also a matter of the front seven meshing with the back end, Franklin added.
“The real key to playing great run defense is the front, but when you got a secondary that’s gonna knock down a run that does get out … that’s when you’re gonna be successful, too,” Franklin said.
“Definitely want to give credit to Evan, X and Bull for making sure the ones that do creep out don’t end up breaking our backs. And we’re able to line up and play ball again.”
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