The Green Bay Packers’ beleaguered defense may get a boost on Monday night. Both cornerback Damarious Randall and inside linebacker Jake Ryan are expected to play.
Randall has been out five weeks after having groin surgery. Ryan missed a week with an ankle injury.
Randall wasn’t effective even before the injury, so it’s uncertain what the Packers will get from him on Monday, especially after missing so many games. However, considering the Packers are so thin at cornerback, Randall’s return will certainly be welcomed.
Ryan, on the other hand, has arguably been the Packers’ best defender this season. He’s second on the team with 59 tackles, trailing only fellow inside backer Blake Martinez, who has 63. Martinez is currently sidelined with MCL sprain.
The real question is what these guys will be capable of?
Just last week, Clay Matthews returned from a three-week absence and was a complete non-factor, finishing with just one tackle. Other guys have seemingly come back too soon, including Randall the last time he was on the field.
Considering his previous level of play and toughness, we expect Ryan to be a factor. Randall — considering his previous level of play — may be a liability.