The Green Bay Packers may be without linebacker Christian Kirksey for an extended period of time due to a shoulder injury. The Atlanta Falcons definitely won't see him in Week 4.

Kirksey injured the shoulder in a win against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. He's been plagued by injuries in the past, most more serious than the shoulder injury that currently faces him. The good news with his injury is the timing of it. The Packers will face a lowly Atlanta Falcons team in Week 4, possibly leading the Packers to be manageable without Kirksey for the contest. More importantly, the Packers will have a bye week in Week 5, giving Kirksey even more time to nurse his shoulder.

The free week off may not put Kirksey on the field in Week 6, but it puts him closer to action without the Packers having to suffer without his presence. He's tied for ninth in the league for most solo tackles.

The Packers will need their defense to step up in Kirksey's absence as they take on the Falcons. Underestimating Atlanta could be the first and last mistake to a defeat for the Packers. Fellow linebackers Krys Barnes and Oren Burks will likely fill Kirksey's void until his return. They've combined for 14 solo tackles through Week 3.

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been spectacular through the first three games and should look to make short work of the Falcons, however. He's completed 67 percent of his passes for 887 yards along with nine touchdowns. He's also thrown no interceptions, furthering his phenomenal start to the season. Halfback Aaron Jones will need to be continue to be spectacular in the backfield for the Packers as well.

RECOMMENDED (Article Continues Below)
JC Latham (Alabama), Chris Braswell (Alabama not Jaguars), Cornelieus Johnson (Michigan) in action behind a New Orleans Saints logo with a 2024 NFL Draft background.

Dylan Bruton ·

Follow NFL on ClutchPoints on Twitter & Instagram, and like us on Facebook. We can also be found on Flipboard where you can subscribe and follow us. Get more on the Packers.

All of our NFL content can be found on the NFL section of the ClutchPoints home page here. For all of our fantasy football content, click here. Keep tabs on the Packers.