Nate Palmer has been making the transition at linebacker from the outside to the inside for the last couple of years. Sunday night, when the Green Bay Packers host the Seattle Seahawks at Lambeau Field, we’ll find out just how far he has come.
Palmer entered Sunday’s game at Chicago when starter Sam Barrington left with a foot injury. He finished the game tied with cornerback Sam Shields for the team lead in tackles with seven.
The Packers are not divulging who the starter will be, opposite Clay Matthews on Sunday. The other option is rookie Jake Ryan (Michigan), who played only on special teams last week. Palmer would be the most logical choice.
When Clay Matthews missed time in training camp, it was Palmer who took over in the middle, getting plenty of reps with the top defense.
AUDIO: Nate Palmer says getting time with the 1’s in training camp was big :12
AUDIO: Clay Matthews on playing alongside Nate Palmer :20
Barrington was the defensive play caller when he left. Assuming Palmer is the player that takes over for Barrington, he’ll also take over the play calling. Clay Matthews doesn’t handle those duties because he sometimes moves to the outside.
Palmer looks forward to the opportunity. He said, “you never know when your opportunity may come. You have to go in there and make the most of it. I can’t go in there and try to be Sam because I’m not Sam. I have to go in there and be Nate.”
