Aug 10th 2008 10:40AM by Bruce Ciskie (author feed)
Filed under: Packers, NFC North, NFL Injuries
It’s not looking good for Packers running back Ryan Grant.
A balky hamstring has taken Grant off the field in the last few days. Despite his long contract dispute costing him significant on-field work during the off-season and training camp, head coach Mike McCarthy has to seriously consider holding Grant out of Monday’s pre-season opener against Cincinnati.
When Grant signed, I mentioned that second-year pro Brandon Jackson was looking good in camp after a strong finish to his rookie season.
Saturday, McCarthy sounded like a coach who was a bit frustrated. He’s dealing with bumps and bruises all over the field, and the last thing the Packers need is for another starter to be dinged. In Grant’s case, though, discretion is certainly called for.
According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, we should know more about Grant’s status later Sunday. Obviously, they’re going to be careful with a hamstring, as Grant could be out for weeks if he does something to make it worse.
If Grant misses Monday night, it’s a great opportunity for Jackson, who has gotten the bulk of the camp work with the first team. If Grant somehow can’t go Saturday night in San Francisco, and Jackson plays well, don’t be surprised to see Jackson in serious contention to start the regular-season opener September 8.
Oh, and Aaron Rodgers will start a game at quarterback Monday for the first time since college. That might generate some media hype.
