The Green Bay Packers’ worst fears about linebacker Jake Ryan’s knee injury have been realized. It’s been confirmed that Ryan has suffered a season-ending torn ACL, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Ryan suffered the injury Monday and had to be carted off the field. Fellow starting linebacker Blake Martinez said Ryan was devastated upon suffering the injury, especially since he'd worked hard and performed so well in the offseason. It’s a tough blow for the 26-year-old Ryan, who was entering a contract year.
A fourth-round pick by the Packers in the 2015 draft, Ryan has emerged as a regular starter at linebacker over the last couple of years for Green Bay. He’s made the start in 22 out of the 29 games he’s played for Green Bay since 2016. Last season, he recorded 79 tackles and a sack in 15 games (12 starts).
Ryan’s injury will affect the Packers’ depth at inside linebacker. They don’t possess a ton of experienced options to start alongside Martinez. Clay Matthews has spent time playing inside in past seasons, but he’s unlikely to move given the Packers’ lack of depth at outside linebacker as well.
That could mean rookie linebackers Oren Burks (a third-rounder) and Greer Martini (undrafted) see the field more than anticipated in their first season in the league. Second-year players Ahmad Thomas and Reggie Gilbert could also get a chance to earn more playing time this year.
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