If the Green Bay Packers are going to overcome expectations this season and compete for the NFC North title, it will largely be the result of a strong defensive presence. The Packers had the best defense of all their NFC North competitors last year, and they are hoping that Rashan Gary and De'Vondre Campbell can lead that unit again this year.

However, Campbell may not be in the lineup when the Packers start the season against the Bears in Chicago. He has been slowed by ankle injury during training camp, and he's not sure that he will be recovered in time to regain his spot as a starting inside linebacker.

Campbell did not say that he would miss the game, but it was clear that he did not want to predict a return at this point. “We’ll see,” Campbell said. “I’ve got two weeks left, so we’ll see.”

Article Continues Below
More Green Bay Packers News
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) and quarterback Jordan Love (10) listen to head coach Matt LaFleur during the fourth quarter of their game Sunday, December 4, 2022 at Soldier Field in Chicago, Ill. The Green Bay Packers beat the Chicago Bears 28-19.
Packers’ Jordan Love gives clear thoughts on Aaron Rodgers signing with SteelersJaren Kawada ·
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) reacts following a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
When Aaron Rodgers will face Packers, Bears in 2025 NFL seasonJake Faigus ·
Matthew Golden, Packers
Rising Packers rookie turning heads in 2025 OTAsDouglas Fritz ·
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs (87) is unable to make a reception during the fourth quarter of their game
Matt LaFleur highlights Packers ‘specimen’ with ‘physique’ transformationScotty White ·
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs (87) makes a catch and runs the ball against the Tennessee Titans during the first half at Nissan Stadium
Packers WR Romeo Doubs gets brutally honest on major ‘regret’Ben Strauss ·
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Matthew Golden is interviewed by the media during rookie minicamp on Friday, May 2, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers selected Golden with their first round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Packers’ Romeo Doubs stunned by ‘stud’ rookie receiverZachary Weinberger ·

De'Vondre Campbell did an excellent job of going sideline to sideline to make plays for the tackles last year. He finished third on the team in tackles with 96 a year ago, trailing Quay Walker (119 stops) and Adrian Amos (97 stops).

In addition to Walker and Campbell, the Packers are depending on Rashan Gary to provide a dominant effort for head coach Matt LaFleur and defensive coordinator Joe Barry.

The Packers ranked 17th in total defense a year ago, and none of the other NFC North teams came close to that mark. The Lions are favored to win the division, and they ranked 32nd a year ago, while the defending division champion Vikings ranked 31st. The last-place Bears struggled in all areas last year, and they ranked 29th in yards allowed.