The Green Bay Packers have high hopes for linebacker Christian Kirksey heading into the 2020 NFL season. He will first need to dispel any concerns regarding his durability.
Injuries over the last two seasons derailed Kirksey's stint with the Cleveland Browns and ultimately led to his release this offseason. Regardless, Packers defensive coordinator Mike Pettine is optimistic about what he brings to the table, via Steve Megargee of the Associated Press:
”He's everything that you're looking for,” Pettine said. ”He's smart. He's tough. You know and I know he's had his issues. He was healthy for a good chunk of time early in his career, and then unfortunately he's had some injuries that set him back the last two. But we're certainly looking forward to getting the best of him this year.”
Pettine provides a sense of familiarity for the new Packers linebacker since the two had already got well-acquainted during their time in Cleveland from 2014-15. While the latter had established himself as one of the league's most prolific tacklers in the two seasons following his departure, it now remains to be seen if the change of scenery can help the 28-year-old get his career back on track.
Kirksey has played in only nine games over the last two seasons due to hamstring and pectoral issues. Regardless, his skill set fills a much-needed void in the linebacker corps for Green Bay following the departure of Blake Martinez this offseason. The onus will now fall on Kirksey that he can serve as a viable replacement by getting back to his form from 2016-17.
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