Brandon McManus and Matt LaFleur engage in lighthearted banter over injury concerns
In a week filled with anticipation as the Green Bay Packers prepare to face the Arizona Cardinals, the spotlight has turned to kicker Brandon McManus and his ongoing quad injury. Despite the seriousness of the situation, it appears that a playful feud is brewing between McManus and head coach Matt LaFleur.
Injury Report Updates
The latest injury report reveals minimal changes, with McManus maintaining his status as he continues to battle through discomfort. Last week, LaFleur expressed significant concern about McManus’ injury, but the kicker confidently asserted his readiness to participate in the upcoming game against the Bengals. However, despite his optimism, McManus was ultimately inactive. Following the Packers’ victory, LaFleur couldn’t resist a smirk, remarking that his initial worries were validated.
On Thursday, after McManus missed practice due to his quad issue, LaFleur reiterated his concerns, stating, “Just like I said last week, I am concerned about it.” This ongoing dialogue between coach and player adds an intriguing layer to their dynamic as the team gears up for a crucial matchup.
A Playful Exchange
Beyond the injury details, there’s an undeniable camaraderie between McManus and LaFleur that emerges through their playful exchanges. When asked about the perceived feud, McManus laughed it off, emphasizing the lightheartedness of their interactions. “No, no, we laugh about it,” he stated with a smile.
He further explained that LaFleur’s concerns are akin to a quarterback dealing with an arm or shoulder issue—whether large or small, it’s a significant matter. “Just like a worker, if their hammer was broken, it would be hard for them to work. So I understood what it was. It’s just being tongue-in-cheek with it,” McManus said, highlighting the mutual respect and understanding in their relationship.
Other Injury Considerations
As the Packers prepare for the Cardinals, they are not alone in dealing with injury woes. Alongside McManus, defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt (knee) and defensive end Lukas Van Ness (foot) also did not participate in Thursday’s practice. Meanwhile, right tackle Zach Tom (oblique/hip), who managed to play through the previous game, had limited participation in Thursday’s padded practice, joining four other offensive linemen in a similar situation.
In positive news for the Packers, starting nickel Javon Bullard has successfully completed concussion evaluations and is off the injury report. Tom and Bullard were the only updates in Green Bay’s report.
The Cardinals, on their end, are grappling with key injuries of their own. Starting quarterback Kyler Murray was sidelined in last week’s loss against the Colts due to a foot injury and was limited in practice on Thursday. As a result, indications suggest that Jacoby Brissett may step in for another start, having performed admirably in the previous game.
As both teams navigate these injury landscapes, the stakes are high for Sunday’s matchup, making every player’s status critical for game day.
