We don’t have a definitive answer yet, but Green Bay Packers starting running back Ryan Grant looks like he’ll be out several weeks with an ankle injury coach Mike McCarthy called significant.
Grant, who termed his status as week-to-week, has already been ruled out of the Packers next game against Buffalo. Brandon Jackson will start in his place.
Grant’s injury was called a sprain yesterday, but looks like it’s more severe.
“It’s a significant injury to the ankle and the ligament involved in the ankle, which has now required more testing, and we’ll continue to process all the information throughout the day,” McCarthy said.
Grant’s loss is a blow to the Packers. He had 45 yards on eight carries before suffering the injury against the Eagles. Jackson filled in admirably in Grant’s absence, racking up 63 yards on 18 carries, but has never established himself as an every-down back in the NFL.
On the positive side, Jackson is a better receiver than Grant and is adept at handling the blitz. However, if opposing defenses don’t have to worry about Jackson’s running ability, the Packers will become a one-dimensional team awfully quick, allowing opponents to load up against the Packers’ biggest weapon — the passing game.
As expected, John Kuhn will serve as the second halfback with Grant out.
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