The injuries are piling up for the Packers on the defensive side of the ball. Aside from losing starting cornerback Al Harris for the remainder of the season to a torn ACL, the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports that the team will also be without starting outside linebacker Aaron Kampman, also due to a torn ACL. From the Journal-Sentinel:
Packers LB Aaron Kampman Out For Season With Torn ACL
Kampman was returning from a one-game absence due to a concussion and was playing well, getting his first sack since the Cleveland game Oct. 25 and posting a team-high four tackles. Then, with the 49ers facing second and 20 at their own 38, Kampman charged from his outside linebacker position at right tackle Adam Snyder. Just as he got his hands on Snyder, Kampman's left leg gave way.
It was clear right away that the injury was serious by the way Kampman clutched it, and team physician Pat McKenzie spent time testing it for laxity. Kampman was taken to the sideline and then driven off the field on a cart with 7 minutes, 42 seconds left.
Kampman had struggled this season, transitioning from playing defensive end in a 4-3 scheme, to playing with his hand off the ground as an outside rush linebacker in the 3-4; after averaging double digit sacks the previous three seasons, he only had 3.5 so far this year.
SBN’s Acme Packing Company, meanwhile, breaks down how the Packers will try to replace Kampman:
LB Brad Jones has impressed the last two week and he’ll start in Kampman’s spot. LB Brady Poppinga is his backup, with LB Jeremy Thompson behind them. Jones showed some promising pass rush moves this preseason, but his strength right now is against the run and in pass coverage.
See More:
