The Green Bay Packers avoided a worst-case scenario when trainer Pat McKenzie informed coach Mike McCarthy that tackle Bryan Bulaga had not suffered a torn ACL during Sunday's win over the Chicago Bears.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported Bulaga appeared to sustain a right knee bruise, though McCarthy added Monday that Bulaga also suffered a knee sprain. The Packers should know more about Bulaga's status for Week 4 in the coming days. Should Bulaga miss the Packers' game against the Denver Broncos, the Journal Sentinel reported backup Marshall Newhouse to start at right tackle.
Bulaga's injury could also bump first-round draft pick Derek Sherrod up to the top backup spot, allowing the Mississippi State product to dress for the first time this season. Sherrod was inactive for the first three games this year and already has been labeled a disappointment by the local media.
McCarthy dismissed the criticism levied at Sherrod and said the young tackle is developing nicely.
"I think it's convenient criticism, questioning when you go after your first-round pick," McCarthy told the Journal Sentinel. "I'm very pleased with Derek, where he is in his progress. Derek and Marshall are both young talented players that need to play. Marshall's a little bit ahead of Derek in the experience category, and that's why Marshall has this opportunity."
