Just days before a critical matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, the Green Bay Packers were dealt a blow in Thursday's practice. Right tackle Bryan Bulaga was removed during practice with a left knee injury, the same knee he tore his ACL in August 2013.
Fortunately, Bulaga and the Packers escaped a major injury. Bulaga was diagnosed with a sprained MCL, the same type of injury he suffered last year in Week 1 and went on to miss the following game. Once again Bulaga will miss the Packers' Week 2 contest, with his availability for Week 3 still unknown.
The injury could have been much worse, especially knowing Bulaga's knee history. Immediately after Bulaga's injury in practice was reported, many feared the team would be losing him again, but late on Thursday night, ESPN Packers' reporter Rob Demovsky eased those concerns.
Until Bulaga returns, Green Bay will likely put Don Barclay at right tackle. It's a familiar situation for Barclay, having filled in at right tackle in 2013 when Bulaga tore his ACL. Barclay did not perform well and coming off a torn ACL in the 2014 season, he looked just as bad at left tackle during training camp this year.
Expect Seahawks' defensive end Cliff Avril to have a day with Barclay on the right side. Green Bay may have to use Andrew Quarless more to assist in blocking, which could mean fewer receiving opportunities for Richard Rodgers.