Injuries Threaten Packers Ground Attack » Brats & Beer

October 31, 2006
posted under: Brandon Miree, injury report, Packers, Vernand Morency

Green Bay is still basking in the glow of Sunday’s win over the Arizona Cardinals, but that old injury bugaboo is threatening to undo part of the Packers success the past two weeks.

Backup Vernand Morency, who gained 101 yards on Sunday, hurt his lower back during the game and the team says he’ll likely have to sit out the next two games. That means Noah Herron will get the call as the #2 back behind Ahman Green, and while Herron had a good game against the Rams a few weeks ago it would have been nice to have all three proven backs going on the road against Buffalo.

Maybe more significantly, fullback Brandon Miree hyperextended his elbow and will be listed as probable for the road game this week. All the coaches have credited Miree, who was signed off waivers from Denver this year, with helping to get Green Bay’s running game into shape since he has a good handle on the zone blocking scheme.

If he’s unable to go, veteran William Henderson will be called on take his place. I have a lot of man love for Henderson but it’s become clear that he is still struggling with his assignment as lead blocker in this new scheme, which worries me with such a big game coming up.

Buffalo’s defense is ranked 18th in the league against the run, allowing almost 114 yards per game, while against the pass the unit is ranked 14th giving up just over 200 yards per game. They also have five interceptions and 15 sacks to their credit, so establishing the ground game is going to be very important for the Packers at Ralph Waldo Emerson Stadium on Sunday.