Report: Bryan Bulaga Avoids Serious Injury, Likely To Miss Seattle Game
ESPN's Rob Demovsky reports that Bulaga has a sprained MCL
By PackerAaron
Packers right tackle Bryan Bulaga dodged a major injury Thursday, when he left practice after hurting his left knee. Bulaga did not tear his ACL as first feared and suffered only a sprained MCL, according to a source.
It's the same injury he suffered last year in the season opener, and he returned after missing one game.
The grade of the sprain was not known, and Bulaga is scheduled to undergo additional tests Friday, according to the source, but the initial diagnosis was that he would not need surgery.
The Packers are incredibly lucky this wasn't a much more serious injury. This team can win a game at home without Bulaga, even against a defense as good as the one fielded by the Seahawks.
Any extended absence at either tackle position would be incredibly worrisome. We've seen Rodgers put up amazing numbers with some truly sub-standard lines. However, the Packers and their fans would certainly like to avoid seeing if the MVP could do so again.
Expect Don Barclay to start at right tackle on Sunday night. Mike McCarthy and Tom Clements will need to devise a game plan that minimizes the amount of time Barclay is asked to block the likes of Cliff Avril or Michael Bennett in obvious passing situations. That game plan should also take advantage of a healthy Aaron Rodgers and get the quarterback on the move and outside the pocket.
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Comments (45)
PETER MAIZ
September 18, 2015 at 03:13 am
Bryan Bulaga is a huge guy. His weight, as with any lineman puts pressure on those knees.
Green Machine
September 18, 2015 at 05:16 am
"We've seen Rodgers put up amazing numbers with some truly sub-standard lines."
Not against Seattle.
12's numbers v the Seahawks are what's "sub-standard" - even with a fully healthy line. No reason for that trend not to continue.
19/30 220 yds 1td/1int are what we're probably looking at. I don't think that will be enough to get a win.
NickPerry
September 18, 2015 at 05:54 am
Without Chancellor, the losses of Maxwell and Thurman in back to back years, this defense isn't the same, at least not yet. Seattle's defense is much like the Packers offense, it takes them a few weeks to tweak it into what we're used to seeing. Rodgers has played EVERY game IN Seattle, let's wait to see them at home against them before we predict what Rodgers numbers will be. Afterall, Nick Foles was 18-27 for 297 yards and 1 TD.
Seattle is 2-20 when a team scores 24 points, 2-20!! They're also 2 games under 500 on the road under Carroll at 19-21 on the road. On a grass field it's even worse.
On the topic, GET WELL QUICK! Barclay struggled against 2nd, 3rd, and guys out of the NFL this summer. Scary to think what Bennett or Avril might do to him. Almost would prefer to see them kick Lang outside and put Tretter or Barclay inside at Guard though then your screwing around with 2 positions.
Bearmeat
September 18, 2015 at 08:12 am
You've got to hope that you are right. To say I'm worried about Bennett and Irvin hanging out over RT this game would be the understatement of the century.
Winning this game will most likely set off a big time run of victories.
NickPerry
September 18, 2015 at 11:58 am
Dude I'm right there with you. Losing Bulaga and having to play Barclay is HUGE against this team is going to be tough. Hopefully Lacy plays a huge role in starting fast and slowing that rush down.
dullgeek
September 18, 2015 at 12:53 pm
I think he is right. Look at Seattle's road records the last two years. A lot of tight wins to teams that they really should have beaten. And losses to teams they shouldn't have lost to.
My (somewhat shaky) conclusion is that SEA just doesn't play as well when they don't have their 12th man helping them.
2015: 0-1
Losses: STL 34-31 OT
2014: 5-3
Losses: SD 30-21, STL 28-26, KC 24-20
Wins: WAS 27-17, CAR 13-9, SF 17-7 , PHI 24-14, ARI 35-6
2013: 6-2
Losses: IND 34-28, SF 29-3
Wins: CAR 12-7, HOU 23-20 OT, ARI 34-22, STL 14-9, ATL 33-10, NYG 23-0
Thegreatreynoldo
September 18, 2015 at 05:41 pm
Pay no attention to that dislike, Dullgeek. You have to remember that there are many on this site who dislike facts and research. Have a thumbs up from me.
dullgeek
September 18, 2015 at 08:56 pm
Thank you for the kinds words.
SpudRapids
September 18, 2015 at 08:42 am
Cow,
I think you are the most negative poster I've ever come across on any blog. You're life must suck that you have to take it out on the Packers, seems like you get no joy out of watching them.
Mojo
September 18, 2015 at 11:28 am
Spud, FWIW you're right about Green Machine. He is the reincarnated Cow. (should throw something in there about Hinduism). Wasn't sure at first, but then the postings became more recognizable.
Same.
Style.
So fess up GM, couldn't stay away could ya? Couldn't mooooove on.
Personally I never minded your postings whether I agreed or not. And anyway, there's actually a need for a villain in entertainment venues, so welcome back. I'm sure over time Green Machine will get the same kind of response as Cow did.
4thand1
September 18, 2015 at 02:41 pm
He's already getting it Mojo. I saw cow on a live game day blog during pre season, so you know he's been lurking. I don't mind the negative crap either, breaks up the day. But if he really is a fan of the Packers, it sucks to be him.
FITZCORE1252
September 18, 2015 at 05:19 am
I'm up at 3:00 am so i can catch a flight... to see Don FUCKING Barclay on the field. unfugginbelievable.
MarkinMadison
September 18, 2015 at 06:19 am
Sorry Fitz. You deserve better.
WKUPackFan
September 18, 2015 at 11:17 am
Yes he does. ABB = Anybody But Barclay. Although Barclay did simultaneously manage to get AR's collarbone broken and make Shane McClellan look like an actual football player. That's got to be worth something.
WKUPackFan
September 18, 2015 at 11:20 am
*Shea McClellin*
Mojo
September 18, 2015 at 11:47 am
AR managed to get AR's collarbone broken (with an intentional assist from McClellan's pile-driver). AR held the ball forever, then drifted out of the pocket keeping his eyes forward. Sat down too long, just inviting a hit. I thought AR was a bit reckless on that play.
You can blame Barclay for some things, but not Rodgers collarbone injury.
WKUPackFan
September 18, 2015 at 02:25 pm
i agree it's open to interpretation. Thought Fitz needed something to look forward to.
AZPack
September 18, 2015 at 04:22 pm
Not true. Rodgers ducked under Barclay and McClellin quickly. Barclay never even engaged allowing McClellin a free getaway and the chance to tackle Rodgers. I put 90% on Barclay.
Mojo
September 18, 2015 at 05:18 pm
Barclay initially rode McClellin out of the play and past the pocket - as he should have. His back was completely turned to AR who then took off scrambling. Barclay had perfect position to maintain the pocket if AR had stayed (as I suspect was the design of the play). McClellin could see Rodgers take off, Barclay could not. There was no way for Barclay to get back in front of McClellin.
There isn't a lineman in the league who would have been able to prevent McClellin from getting to Rodgers after he left the pocket, unless he committed a penalty.
Here is a video of the play from a number of angles: http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000277003/article/aaron-rodgers-fra...
I'd say it was 90% on ARod, not the other way around.
For those of you who watched the video if you agree with Stroh give him a like, or if you agree with me give him a dislike.
Thegreatreynoldo
September 18, 2015 at 05:47 pm
Thanks for the video. That's not Barclay's fault.
4thand1
September 18, 2015 at 05:54 pm
When I watch that play it was a bang bang quick football play. Looked like AR wanted to run but the Bears downfield closed quickly and he went lateral, McClellan caught up quick. I agree, no way Barclay could have even tackled him, it happened so fast. It looked like the Packer receivers cleared the area too so he couldn't dump it off. It was a perfect land on top of him with all your weight tackle breaking his collar bone.
WKUPackFan
September 18, 2015 at 06:50 pm
Video triumphs over memory. My apologies to Mr. Barclay.
JerseyAl
September 18, 2015 at 09:30 am
You go to games to watch the right tackle play?
hybridauth_Facebook_100005376033752
September 18, 2015 at 05:57 am
Thank god it's not a tear but this is not good for Sunday night!!!
AZPack
September 18, 2015 at 08:49 am
A sprain is a tear. Lucky its MCL not ACL that will heal w/o surgery.
4thand1
September 18, 2015 at 02:43 pm
I thought a sprain was actually stretched, not torn.
AZPack
September 18, 2015 at 04:04 pm
Sprain = a tear. Matter of degrees of tearing.
NickPerry
September 20, 2015 at 05:35 am
Actually a MCL sprain is normally a tear, Dan is right. And the normal turn around time for it to hear is 6 weeks. Bulaga is far from a "Normal" because of his size and then taking into account the strain he puts on the knee each and every day just walking. My buddy has a "MCL Sprain right now, he can't walk more than a few blocks without it flaring up and he's just 6'1", 220.
MarkinMadison
September 18, 2015 at 06:27 am
Well the good news is he will get better. Maybe it will take a week, maybe it will take more. Let them be conservative about this one because the Packers will need him when it counts - in the playoffs.
Probably seems premature to crown the Packers kings of the NFC North again, but let's be honest - unless #12 goes down for the year it is the Packers' for the taking. The bad news (or maybe the good news, depending on your perspective) is that this stretch against the Seahawks, Chiefs, 49ers and Rams is as tough as the schedule gets for the Packers now. All good defenses (except in all likelihood the 9ers). If the Packers drop a few of these games please don't have a cow folks. I certainly don't see any team in the NFC doing better than 13-3, and I wouldn't be shocked if 12-4 is enough to secure home field this year.
EdsLaces
September 18, 2015 at 07:00 am
Remember that Marcus Peters guy that we all looked at pre draft .. yeah he's legit. He dominated against Peyton Manning last nite. That Chiefs defense is amazing.
Bearmeat
September 18, 2015 at 08:24 am
To be fair, Peyton looked dead last night. He should have retired last year. Dude's arm is gone.
WKUPackFan
September 18, 2015 at 02:32 pm
The radio coverage (as usual) provided much more insight into Peyton's situation. They explained the difference when he's throwing left or right, and in general how he has to use his entire body to get some mustard on the ball. Give him time to step into and torque his body and he's OK. Otherwise, there's a problem.
In my opinion KC made a mistake playing zone on the last drive. As the radio guys said, Peton is still great from the neck up. The zone gave him a chance to "float" the balls to his WRs.
4thand1
September 18, 2015 at 02:47 pm
I watched that game and noticed he could only thrown when stepping into a throw. Some of his passes seemed to take forever to get there. The last couple of drives, no pressure up the middle. KC choked big time. Alex Smith is an average QB also.
WKUPackFan
September 18, 2015 at 06:58 pm
Peyton throws some floaters out there, but he's still accurate if he has a window to throw into. Alex made more mistakes than usual last night. Agree that KC blew it. Could not understand why they passed twice with less 2 minutes in the first half after Denver made it 14-7. Run the ball, go in with the lead.
NickPerry
September 20, 2015 at 05:37 am
Yup, kept thinking he would have been worth moving up for, man can ball.
RCPackerFan
September 18, 2015 at 07:10 am
A game we can get by without Bulaga. Multiple games, it would not be be as easy. Sounds like we maybe dodged a bullet with his injury.
The key for this game will be in the play calling. McCarthy and Clements will have to find ways to help Barclay and will have to go to a shorter passing game.
Bearmeat
September 18, 2015 at 08:14 am
That's right. And it's too bad. Watching Nick-Frigging-Foles carve up Seattle's Defense down the field had me salivating for what Rodgers could do with Adams. Hopefully some deep shots can still be taken....
RCPackerFan
September 18, 2015 at 09:47 am
I think they still can take their shots. Just have to be smart about when they do it and how they do it.
I think we might see them throw a few new wrinkles out there this week. Perhaps using Montgomery more, and possibly him in Cobb's role last year - RB/WR.
Since'61
September 18, 2015 at 09:43 am
First, I hope that Bulaga returns ASAP. As for this week's game the plan needs to include Kuhn and Rip in the backfield to block and/or chip in support of whoever replaces Bulaga. Also the TE can chip and/or block as well. No point in risking Rodgers health and leaving the RT one on one. Also rolling pocket needs to used as well. Fortunately Rodgers has his mobility back and he will need this week. Go Pack! Thanks, Since '61
NickPerry
September 19, 2015 at 09:57 pm
I'm thinking the same thing but at the beginning of the week I was thinking they'd be there to help "Chip" Bakhtiari's man. I think both tackles could very well struggle in this game. Bulagas injury is a rough one to take.
Since'61
September 18, 2015 at 09:43 am
First, I hope that Bulaga returns ASAP. As for this week's game the plan needs to include Kuhn and Rip in the backfield to block and/or chip in support of whoever replaces Bulaga. Also the TE can chip and/or block as well. No point in risking Rodgers health and leaving the RT one on one. Also rolling pocket needs to used as well. Fortunately Rodgers has his mobility back and he will need this week. Go Pack! Thanks, Since '61
Archie
September 18, 2015 at 01:09 pm
Tiz true that SEA on the road is not the same team. Of course, even SEA will carve up Packer defense if same non-tackling bunch of clowns show up in green and gold. Can AROD overcome Jordy, Bulaga, Cobb and Packer defense?Given our loss at SEA in playoffs, you would think Pack will find a way to win in a low scoring and close game (within a FG).
GB 21 SEA 20
hybridauth_Facebook_100004084225446
September 18, 2015 at 01:29 pm
Hope they give Walker some plays think he has way more up side .................
4thand1
September 18, 2015 at 02:50 pm
Will the seackchickens start the game with an onsides kick?
hybridauth_Facebook_100004765273075
September 19, 2015 at 06:11 pm
He had surgery today for a menicus tear. Word is he will be out six weeks. That's laughable. A menicus strian can take months to heal. Put a fork in him for this year!