Green Bay Packers: 5 Players critical to defeating Rams in Divisional Round
By Joe Kipp
The Green Bay Packers will need these five players to step up in the Divisional Round of the 2021 NFL Playoffs.
The time has finally come for the Green Bay Packers. After clinching the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs and enjoying a much-needed bye week, the Packers will begin their postseason journey this Saturday against the Los Angeles Rams at Lambeau Field for the Divisional Round of the 2021 NFL Playoffs.
Defeating the Rams won’t be easy, though. The Packers will have to do it without the help of left tackle David Bakhtiari protecting Aaron Rodgers’ blindside. Bakhtiari, a first-team All-Pro selection this season, tore his ACL in practice before the end of the regular season.
Because of Bakhtiari’s injury, the Packers signed veteran offensive tackle Jared Veldheer as depth off the Colts’ practice squad. Unfortunately, Veldheer tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday and won’t be eligible to participate in Saturday’s game.
With the Rams’ ferocious pass-rush, led by future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald, the Packers will need a big game from their offensive line, along with a contingency plan for Bakhtiari and Veldheer’s absences.
With all of that in mind, here are five players who are critical for Green Bay in the Divisional Round against Los Angeles.
5. Rick Wagner, RT
Rick Wagner was signed to a two-year deal this past offseason as a potential replacement for stalwart Bryan Bulaga, who departed for the Chargers in free agency. Wagner hasn’t started in every game this season, but he’s been more than capable of holding his own when called upon.
The tough part about the Packers’ current situation with Bakhtiari and Veldheer is that Wagner, too, is injured. Wagner has been listed as “limited” in practice the past two days due to an ailing knee injury he suffered a few weeks ago.
Green Bay will need Wagner to be a full-go on Saturday since Billy Turner will take Bakhtiari’s place at left tackle. Turner is the usual starter at right tackle but started at left tackle against the Bears in Week 17 because of Bakhtiari’s absence.
If Wagner is unable to play, the Packers would be in a world of trouble against a stout Rams’ defensive line. Yosh Nijman, a second-year player who went undrafted, would likely be the next man up at tackle.