The Green Bay Packers went into Sunday’s game at Washington already
Mason Crosby
without a number of key players, including injured starters Ryan Grant, Mark Tauscher, Nick Barnett and Morgan Burnett. It didn’t take long for that list to grow on Sunday.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers suffered a concussion late in the game and will need to pass a series of tests just to be able to play against Miami this week. They also lost Jermichael Finley and Clay Matthews to hamstring injuries, Ryan Pickett and Derrick Martin to ankle injuries, Donald Lee to a shoulder injury and Frank Zombo to a knee injury.
The Packer backups performed admirably, but another inconsistent day by the offense saw the Packers fall to the Redskins 16-13 in overtime.
AUDIO: Mike McCarthy says his reserves played well when called on :12
Just like in the loss to the Chicago Bears, the Packers appeared to be in control but lost it in the 4th quarter. But despite letting the Redskins get back in it, the Packers still had a chance to win in the closing seconds. But kicker Mason Crosby missed his second straight field goal, this one from 53-yards out as it clanked the left upright and the game would go to overtime.
Graham Gano missed from 51 yards with 6:39 left to play, but the Redskins kicker nailed a 33-yarder in overtime to see the Redskins pull out the win.
When the Packers lost Clay Matthews, Redskins quarterback Donovan McNabb was able to stand in the pocket and be more comfortable throwing the ball.
The Packers passing game has struggled at times and 7 dropped passes added to that. Four of the seven drops came from Green Bay’s top receiver, Donald Driver. James Jones had two and Jordy Nelson one. Jones discussed the drops afterwards.
AUDIO: James Jones discusses teams 7 dropped passes :25
The Packers did get some encouraging performances. The offensive line performed well and gave Aaron Rodgers time to throw. Running back Brandon Jackson rushed for 115 yards on 10 carries and Desmond Bishop led the Packers with 13 tackles, 6 of them solo.
The Packers will find out a lot more about the new injuries over the next 24 to 48 hours. They’ll be crossing their fingers on tight end Jermichael Finley, who went down early trying to make a tackle after Donald Lee fumbled.
The Packers will host Miami this coming Sunday at Lambeau Field.