Packers might be without Billy Turner (knee) for Week 1 vs. Vikings
A knee injury suffered by Green Bay Packers offensive lineman Billy Turner could be serious enough to keep him out of Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings.
According to Rob Demovsky of ESPN, Turner injured his knee during the team’s scrimmage at Lambeau Field last Sunday. Although the injury is not considered to be serious or season-ending, it could be significant enough to force him to miss the first week of the regular season.
Demovsky reports “Week 1 may be unlikely” for Turner, who is competing to start at both right guard and right tackle for the Packers.
While veteran Lane Taylor could play right guard without issue, right tackle is looking far more shaky, given the injuries to both Turner and Rick Wagner (elbow).
The Packers will take on the Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sept. 13. The right tackle position is a potential turning point, given the presence and disruptive ability of Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter, who often rushes against the opposing team’s right tackle.
The Packers are thin behind Turner and Wagner at offensive tackle, with former undrafted free agents Alex Light and Yosh Nijman representing the most likely backups.
Rookie linebacker Kamal Martin also injured his knee during the scrimmage and will miss time to start the season.
