Well, it’s now official. Green Bay Packers nose tackle B.J. Raji will miss the entire 2014 season, according to an ESPN source.
Raji suffered a torn bicep in Friday night’s victory over Oakland, leaving the game for good after the second defensive series.
Raji is the fourth player the Packers have lost for the season due to injury, joining receiver Jared Abbrederis, tight end Colt Lyerla and tackle Don Barclay. He’s the first starter.
And hey, it’s still only August. By the time January rolls around, the Packers should have about 20 guys on injured reserve, give or take.
So now what?
Well, first things first. Let’s put this in plain terms. Raji was dog shit last year and although he looked much better this preseason, it’s not as if the Packers just lost someone irreplaceable.
It looks like Josh Boyd will get the first shot at replacing Raji. He did so Friday night and frankly, we didn’t see a difference in the way the D played.
Undrafted rookie Mike Pennel, who has had a hell of a camp, should provide relief for Boyd.
The Packers also have free agent acquisition Letroy Guion on the roster, but he hasn’t played or practiced because of a hamstring injury. We’ve written him off and imagine the Packers probably have too.
If the Packers want some depth, then they’ll look at bringing back Johnny Jolly or Ryan Pickett, both of whom remain free agents.
Honestly, we don’t know that that’s necessary. The Packers were likely only going to keep two nose tackles with Raji healthy. We’re not sure why they would suddenly want three of them.
Im going to really hate him next season when he’s a ViQueen
Nah Uh. We get to give him another Prove-it! deal to come back.
Ah charma though are a true bitch
Just STFU.
It’s looking like you can’t type, read, or think.
Bring Johnny Jolly Back!!!! Sorry Raji is hurt, but in all honesty, I agree he is not irreplaceable.
For the love of god..please DO NOT bring back Pickett..old fat and slow..one of the main reasons the run defense sucked so bad down the stretch. Trade Perry for a Dt.. Not like he’s gonna start anyway!!
can Guion; let Body play DE like he is now, sign Pickett and let him and Pennel rotate. done.
Boyd, not Body!
haha, but that’d be a funny nickname for him if he ever becomes good enough to warrant a nickname
Jolly
So here we go again, still two weeks away from the season opener. It’s starting to look like last year all over again. To tell the truth, the proliferation of serious injuries to key players last year took a good deal of the fun out of watching this team. At least for me. It’s more than just watching to track wins and losses, it’s wanting to see your players play.
Look like last year all over again? Try the past 4 years except 2011
Seriously doubt Jolly or Pickett return, why get older on the d-line? Clearly didn’t help for the last 8 weeks of the season last year. Boyd and Pennel will prove more than capable.
I feel bad for Raji, but the Packers should be fine. Josh Boyd and Mike Pennel are nearly as big and offer more in the pass rush department.
A Nose for a nose…Pickett gets the phone call.
Uncle Ted will take the most cost efficient path. Can’t spend money like it grows on trees.
But he sure brings the stars back with sensical contracts… Rodgers, Matthews, Raji, Nelson, Shields, T. Williams, ect., ect., ect.
They will wait till the first round of cuts before they sign anyone. See if there is any player that they really like.
Exactly, wait and see who is cut this week, what is two days at this point. A lot of teams will not only cut players who will have no chance of making a roster but will also release veterans that will not work out so they have a chance to catch on with another team. I believe some teams have already started. Believe the Packers will also make cuts as early as today.
This is not the week to pick up scraps. Next week is for the cut to 53. Guys not making rosters this week are the easy cuts.
I think Boyd and Pennell will be more than adequate replacements for Raji. BJ didn’t do jack shit for the last two years. I wouldn’t be surprised if they do nothing at this position.
The loss of Tretter worries me much more. If the past is an adequate predictor of the future, our crack medical staff (and by that I mean they might be on crack) has probably misdiagnosed this one.
A very large bag of rye grass seed with a Packer jersey on it, laid near the line of scrimmage, would be an acceptable replacement for Raji.
emphasis on VERY
Boyd and Pennel will be fine.