Corey Linsley Could Be Shelved Until Training Camp

The Green Bay Packers are likely to lose 2016 opening day starting center J.C. Tretter in free agency. That makes the health of Corey Linsley that much more important.

Linsley had ankle surgery after the season ended and could be held out until training camp, according to Rob Demovsky.

The good news is the surgery doesn’t sound major. Linsley reportedly had loose particles cleaned up that were remnants of his 2015 high ankle sprain. Linsley could be ready to go in May, but there’s always the chance the Packers will just hold him out until camp to be safe.

They’ve been extra cautious through the summer with injured veterans in recent years.

Linsley wasn’t ready to go when last season opened because of a hamstring injury. That ultimately cost him the first half of the season and his starting job. Tretter played great while Linsley was sidelined, but then he suffered his own injury, which cost him the final nine games and the playoffs.

This does raise another question. If Tretter signs elsewhere and Linsley gets hurt, what’s the backup plan?

At this point, we’d have to think it would be Don Barclay, although he will be an unrestricted free agent this week as well.