With five games left on their schedule, the Green Bay Packers control their own destiny in the NFC North and have a chance to be the top seed in the NFC. The schedule will be a challenge, but if the Packers play well, they have a chance to win the division and more. One of the obstacles they face is overcoming the loss of defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt who is now out for the season. Today we examine how the Packers will try to replace Devonte Wyatt.
How the Packers Will Try to Replace Devonte Wyatt: Wyatt’s Contributions
The Packers selected Wyatt in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. The former Georgia star took some time to adjust to the NFL, but his ability to get off the ball quickly and put pressure on opposing quarterbacks made him a valuable role player as a rookie.
Wyatt started five games in his second NFL campaign and recorded a career-high 5.5 sacks. Still, while Wyatt made some strong contributions, he didn’t earn a starting job in 2024. He recorded five sacks in 14 games but didn’t start any games. This season, he has become a full-time starter when healthy.
Still, perhaps the biggest compliment Wyatt could have received is the way the Packers defense missed him when he was out of the lineup. A healthy Wyatt had a big impact on the team. This year, the defense played it’s best when Wyatt was healthy and in the lineup. His absence will cause a big void for the team.
Head coach Matt LaFleur discussed the impact of losing Wyatt shortly after last Thursday’s win in Detroit. “I’m sick for him, I’m sick for us. I mean, that’s a critical loss for our football team, for our defense, obviously,” LaFleur told reporters. “I can’t say enough great things about him in terms of watching him mature not only as a football player but as a person. I’ve got a lot of love for Devonte Wyatt, and I think the whole locker room does, too. So, it’s a little bittersweet, I would say… We’re happy about the win but we’re sick about what happened to him.”
Possible Veteran Options
The Packers do not have any replacements on the roster who have a proven NFL track record that can match Wyatt’s. His ability to supply pressure from the interior of the defensive line and his speed off the snap of the ball will be difficult to replace.
The two veteran options are Karl Brooks and Colby Wooden. Brooks has struggled at times this season. He has provided some good pass rush in the past. This season, he has half a sack and five quarterback hits while playing in 11 games. Brooks can give the Packers some push from the middle of the field.
Colby Wooden has been a steady contributor this season. He’s started all 12 games, and he’s been a solid contributor to the Packers improved run defense this season. Wooden has no sacks and two quarterback hits. He will continue to start and contribute to the Packers defense.
How the Packers Will Try to Replace Devonte Wyatt: Rookies and a New Option
Two rookies are also on the roster. Undrafted free agent Nazir Stackhouse has played all 12 games but has only seen a handful of snaps on defense in most games. He is big, run-stuffing nose tackle who only comes in in base defense and in short-yardage situations. He may see some more snaps, but he won’t be able to do what Wyatt did.
Sixth round pick Warren Brinson has earned more playing time as the season progressed. He’s appeared in six games and recorded half a sack against the Vikings. Brinson may have the most potential to replace Wyatt, but he still has to prove he can handle a larger role.
The Packers made a roster move on Wednesday. They signed Jordon Riley off the Giants practice squad to add him to the 53-man roster. The Giants drafted Riley in the seventh round in 2023. He has played 21 games and started five for the Giants. This year, he was released and remained on their practice squad.
At 6’5” and 315 pounds, he is more of a run stuffer and nose tackle than a pass rusher. He has yet to record a sack in his NFL career and has one quarterback hit.
Overall, the Packers will need some of these younger players to step up and contribute more than they have in the past. The Packers need to replicate at least some of the pressure that Wyatt provided from the interior of the defensive line. They will also need to stop the run well, especially against the Bears who they place twice in the next three weeks. This won’t be easy, but if they can find a way to get the job done, the NFC North title and more remains a real possibility.
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