The Green Bay Packers haven't even played their first game of the preseason and their defense is already dealing with some depth issues. Inside linebacker Jake Ryan injured his knee earlier this week during training camp and Ian Rapport of NFL Network confirmed it was a torn ACL.

Packers defensive coordinator Mike Pettine is going to have to do some scrambling trying to find a solid replacement for him and calls the loss of Ryan a big loss.

“Certainly, we have an experienced guy and a guy who was very productive last year in Blake,” Pettine said, via Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com. “The rookie [third-round pick Oren Burks] has flashed some things, but the transition from the college game takes some time. Ahmad Thomas has flashed some coverage ability, and then we have some younger guys. We’ll see how it plays it. It’s a big loss with Jake.”

Ryan was slotted to start next to Blake Martinez and for a defense that finally feels like they are turning a corner, this is a really big blow.

Pettine mentioned Burks and Thomas as could be replacements but also notes that he is in communication with the personnel department and they could look to bring some outside help in. In years past the Packers weren't big on bringing outside help although that could change this year with different faces in the front office. The Packers open up their preseason play next Thursday hosting the Tennessee Titans. It will be the first opportunity in game action to see the other guys try to step up and fill the void.