The Green Bay Packers have placed offensive lineman Jordan Morgan, their 2024 first-round draft pick, on injured reserve, sidelining him for at least four weeks. Morgan had previously missed time with a shoulder injury but reaggravated it during practice this week, according to head coach Matt LaFleur. Initially, Morgan was not listed on the injury report, but his condition worsened as the week progressed.
Despite already having an open roster spot, the Packers took the step of moving Morgan to injured reserve. To address depth concerns, they activated cornerback Robert Rochell from the practice squad to the 53-man roster. This move leaves the team with one more spot available on the active roster, following the recent trade of defensive end Preston Smith to the Pittsburgh Steelers. That vacancy could be filled by running back MarShawn Lloyd, whose return from injured reserve was delayed by an appendicitis diagnosis.
Morgan’s absence puts the Packers’ offensive line in a precarious position. As the primary backup for the interior line, Morgan has rotated at right guard with starter Sean Rhyan when the line was fully healthy. Without him, rookie Jacob Monk, a fifth-round draft pick, is expected to serve as the backup for both center and guard positions. Meanwhile, Andre Dillard and Kadeem Telfort are backup tackles, though neither has much experience on the interior. The team may consider moving right tackle Zach Tom to the interior if further injuries arise.
Adding to the Packers’ challenges, the New England Patriots earlier this season signed guard Lecitus Smith off Green Bay’s practice squad. The remaining practice squad offensive linemen include Donovan Jennings, an undrafted rookie recovering from preseason injuries, and Spencer Rolland, a former Harvard player signed in Week 7.
Rochell’s promotion leaves a vacancy on the practice squad, which the Packers are expected to address by Tuesday, a common day for free-agent workouts. Rochell’s activation also hints at potential doubts about Jaire Alexander’s availability against the Chicago Bears. If Alexander and safety Evan Williams, both listed as questionable, cannot play, the Packers may shuffle their secondary. Keisean Nixon would likely cover the slot, with Javon Bullard moving to safety and Eric Stokes and Carrington Valentine taking outside cornerback roles in nickel packages. Corey Ballentine and Rochell would provide depth off the bench.
Leave a Reply