Green Bay Packers defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson suffered a scary-looking ankle injury on Sunday against the Washington Redskins after he collided awkwardly with teammate Kentrell Brice. He needed to be carted off the field and was subsequently rushed to a nearby hospital.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Packers coach Mike McCarthy said Wilkerson had surgery last night in the Washington area for what he described as a “significant” injury. Rapoport added that it’s likely a season-ending injury for the Packers defensive end.
After an underwhelming end to his seven-year stint with the New York Jets, Wilkerson signed a one-year deal worth up to $8 million in free agency with the Packers with the hope of rehabilitating his value. He's just three years removed from being one of the top young defensive linemen in the league. He earned a Pro Bowl berth in 2013 as he had 12 sacks for the Jets.
Wilkerson’s likely loss is a huge blow for a Packers defense which had high hopes for the 29-year old this year. Wilkerson was expected to play a key role in new defensive coordinator Mike Pettine’s defense. Pettine had coached Wilkerson for three years during their time with the Jets.
But now, the Packers will have to push on without the veteran defensive lineman for the remainder of the season. Wilkerson’s likely absence will also further reduce the Packers’ already shallow defensive line depth. They are now down to four recognized linemen: Mike Daniels, Kenny Clark, Dean Lowry, and Montravius Adams.
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