GREEN BAY (WGBA) — It appears the Packers have their first significant injury of the season.
The team believes inside linebacker Oren Burks has torn his pectoral muscle, according to multiple reports.
Burks, who was drafted in the third round of the 2018 draft, left Thursday’s preseason opener in the first quarter after injuring himself while trying to tackle Texans quarterback Joe Webb.
Burks was at practice on Saturday, but was not in pads. The Packers hope to learn more details about his injury by early next week. If the pectoral strain is severe, Burks could miss the entire 2019 season.
His injury leaves the Packers with just four inside linebackers on the roster, three of whom have combined to play just one NFL snap.
Alongside veteran ILB Blake Martinez, Green Bay has rookies Ty Summers and Curtis Bolton, as well as Brady Sheldon, who is in his second year.
When asked about those three inside linebackers on Saturday, head coach Matt LaFleur said they are “young players with a lot to learn.”
Summers led the Packers in tackles in Thursday’s game, totaling 10 (9 solo).
