Packers TE Robert Tonyan suffers season-ending ACL tear

The fear of a significant knee injury suffered by Robert Tonyan on Thursday night was confirmed Friday. According to agent Jack Bechta, the Packers tight end tore the ACL in his left knee during Thursday’s win over the Arizona Cardinals.

The injury will force Tonyan to miss the rest of the 2021 season.

Tonyan, 27, was injured at the end of a 33-yard catch in the fourth quarter. He planted his left leg right before being tackled and was in immediate pain while grasping his left knee on the ground.

The season-ending injury is a huge blow for the Packers offense and Tonyan, who is in a contract year after returning to Green Bay in 2021 on a one-year deal.

Through eight games, Tonyan has 18 catches for 204 yards and two touchdowns. He was his most productive over the last two games, catching seven passes for 113 yards and a score in the wins over Washington and Arizona.

Tonyan broke out for the Packers last season with 11 touchdown catches, tying the team record for scores by a tight end.

Without Tonyan, the Packers will lean more on Josiah Deguara and Dominique Dafney in versatile pass-catching roles. Veteran Marcedes Lewis is the team’s go-to inline blocker at tight end.

It’s possible the Packers could attempt to find a tight end replacement before the trade deadline.

Tonyan’s future in Green Bay is uncertain. He is facing a long rehab before entering free agency next March. It’s even possible he’ll miss time to start next season.

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Good, bad and ugly from Packers' 24-21 win over Cardinals