It appears Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy is giving former undrafted free agent Reggie Gilbert his shot.
Although he didn’t fill up the box score, Gilbert was impressive against the Tennessee Titans on Thursday. He stuffed a couple runs, held the edge and put some pressure on the quarterback.
On Sunday, when the Packers returned to practice, Gilbert was getting some reps with the No. 1 defense.
Reggie Gilbert getting some first-team reps opposite Clay Matthews at OLB today. Had been Kyler Fackrell throughout the first 10 practices. Gilbert looked good in #Packers preseason opener vs. #Titans. Fackrell has still gotten some but Gilbert was up first.
— Jason Wilde (@jasonjwilde) August 12, 2018
This comes with a caveat, of course. We assume Nick Perry will eventually be back. He’s been on the physically unable to perform list since camp opened.
When Perry returns, he will be the starter opposite Clay Matthews. At least until he gets injured again.
However, it appears that Gilbert, who started last season on the practice squad, has moved past Vince Biegel and Kyler Fackrell.
Biegel was disappointing against Tennessee. Fackrell has always been disappointing.
This isn’t the first time Gilbert has made an impression, either. He was impressive during the preseason last year. We had him making the final roster and Fackrell getting tossed. Gilbert outplayed Fackrell then. It appears nothing has changed.
The Packers brought Gilbert up to the active roster for the final two games of the season. He did nothing but impress then either. Although he only had one sack, he was consistently putting pressure on the quarterback.
The guy looks legit. It’s about time McCarthy took note.
