Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy confirmed today that defensive end Justin Harrell is lost for the season with a torn ACL, suffered in the Packers 27-20 win over Philadelphia yesterday. Harrell will be placed on injured reserve.
AUDIO: Mike McCarthy on Justin Harrell’s tough luck :17
Harrell was entering his 4th NFL season after being taken in the first round of the 2007 Draft by the Packers out of Tennessee.
Packers running back Ryan Grant suffered what Mike McCarthy called a significant ankle injury in Sunday’s win and that he would definitely miss this Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills in Green Bay.
AUDIO: Mike McCarthy on Ryan Grant’s ankle injury :09
The Packers now have just one healthy halfback on their roster, Brandon Jackson. Jackson will start against the Bills on Sunday and will likely be backed up by fullback John Kuhn, who has taken reps at tailback in training camp and the preseason. McCarthy didn’t know if the Packers would promote a running back from the practice squad, or try to sign another player. He said it could partly depend on how long Grant might be sidelined.
The Packers will have a roster spot available once they place Justin Harrell on injured reserve.