Green Bay Faces Turmoil as Devonte Wyatt’s Stumble From the Bye Sparks Locker Room Confrontations and a Potential Blockbuster Trade

The Green Bay Packers emerged from their bye week with high hopes, welcoming back key players like Zach Tom and Nate Hobbs from injury. However, the optimism was quickly overshadowed by troubling news surrounding defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt, whose absence from practice on Monday due to a lingering knee injury has sparked concern within the organization. Wyatt’s failure to return to the field post-bye has not only raised questions about his recovery timeline but also prompted team leaders to confront the former first-round pick about his status. Even more alarming, the Packers’ recent moves suggest they may be bracing for a worst-case scenario, with whispers of a blockbuster trade now circulating as a potential solution to their defensive line woes.

Wyatt’s Injury Sparks Concern

Wyatt’s knee injury, sustained during the Packers’ Week 3 loss to the Cleveland Browns, forced him to miss the subsequent tie against the Dallas Cowboys. His absence was keenly felt, with Cowboys star Micah Parsons pointing to Wyatt’s unavailability as a key factor in Green Bay’s defense surrendering 40 points in that game. The hope was that the bye week would provide sufficient rest for Wyatt to return for the Week 6 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, a team currently without starting quarterback Joe Burrow. However, Wyatt’s absence from Monday’s practice dashed those hopes and raised red flags about the severity of his injury.

According to Jason B. Hirschhorn of The Leap, the Packers worked out five defensive tackles on Monday—Tommy Akingbesote, Anthony Campbell, Keondre Coburn, Fabien Lovett, and Omari Thomas. While none of these players are household names, the decision to evaluate multiple defensive linemen suggests the team is preparing for the possibility of an extended absence for Wyatt. In the worst-case scenario, the Packers may consider placing Wyatt on injured reserve (IR), a move that would sideline him for at least four games and create a significant gap in the team’s defensive front.

Wyatt’s Absence Exposes Defensive Line Depth Issues

Wyatt’s potential stint on IR would be a major blow to a Packers defensive line already reeling from the offseason trade of long-time starter Kenny Clark to the Cowboys, a deal that brought Parsons to Green Bay. Wyatt, a 27-year-old former first-round pick, had been a bright spot early in the season, recording six total tackles, two sacks, and 13 quarterback pressures in the first three games, per Pro Football Focus (PFF). His emergence as a disruptive force was critical in filling the void left by Clark’s departure, but his injury now puts the Packers’ depth to the test.

In Wyatt’s absence against the Cowboys, Colby Wooden stepped into the starting role but struggled, managing just two tackles, one pressure, and a lackluster 46.3 PFF grade over 46 snaps. Karl Brooks, another defensive tackle, has seen significant playing time but has posted a modest 54.4 PFF grade despite a sack and 11 pressures on the season. Rookie Nazir Stackhouse has also struggled in limited action, further highlighting the lack of reliable depth on the interior line. With Wyatt’s status uncertain, the Packers face a potential crisis as they head into a critical stretch of the season.

Team Leaders Confront Wyatt

Sources within the organization indicate that team leaders, including head coach Matt LaFleur and key veterans, have approached Wyatt to discuss his recovery and commitment to returning to the field. While the specifics of these conversations remain private, the urgency of the situation is clear. Wyatt’s injury, combined with his absence from practice post-bye, has raised concerns about his ability to return to form quickly. The Packers are not only focused on Wyatt’s physical recovery but also on ensuring that he remains mentally engaged as the team navigates this challenging period.

The decision to work out multiple defensive tackles signals that the front office is not willing to wait indefinitely for Wyatt’s return. The team’s cautious approach may be prudent, but it underscores the precarious position they find themselves in without a proven replacement for Wyatt’s production.

A Blockbuster Trade on the Horizon?

As the NFL trade deadline approaches, the Packers’ recent workouts have fueled speculation about a potential blockbuster trade to bolster their defensive line. While the players evaluated on Monday may not represent immediate upgrades, the team’s proactive approach suggests they are exploring all options to address their depth issues. A high-profile trade for an established defensive tackle could provide the stability the Packers need to remain competitive in the NFC North, especially with challenging matchups looming.

Names like Dexter Lawrence of the New York Giants or Quinnen Williams of the New York Jets have surfaced in fan discussions, though no concrete reports link the Packers to these players. Any such move would likely require significant draft capital or a key player in return, but the Packers’ front office has shown a willingness to make bold moves in the past, as evidenced by the Parsons trade. General manager Brian Gutekunst will need to weigh the cost of acquiring a new defensive lineman against the risk of relying on unproven depth or a potentially delayed return from Wyatt.

The Packers’ immediate focus is their Week 6 matchup against the Bengals, a game they may approach without Wyatt. While Cincinnati’s offense is less potent without Burrow, Green Bay’s defense will need to step up to contain the Bengals’ playmakers. If Wyatt’s recovery stalls further, the team may have no choice but to place him on IR, forcing them to rely on Wooden, Brooks, and Stackhouse in the short term.

In the longer term, the Packers must address their defensive line depth, whether through a trade, a free-agent signing, or the development of their current roster. The team’s decision to work out multiple defensive tackles on Monday is a clear indication that they are not taking Wyatt’s injury lightly. As the trade deadline nears, all eyes will be on Gutekunst and the front office to see if they pull the trigger on a deal that could reshape the team’s defensive front.

For now, the Packers are in a holding pattern, hoping for positive news on Wyatt’s recovery while preparing for the possibility that their defensive line crisis could worsen. The coming weeks will be critical for Green Bay as they navigate this uncertainty and strive to keep their playoff aspirations alive.