The Green Bay Packers tenure for outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus did not last long. The 31-year-old former first rounder announced his retirement from football last week.
Gil and J.J. talk about the draft prospects the Packers have met with so far and look for clues as to Gutekunst’s draft strategy. They also talk about the retirement of Whitney Mercilus and how it effects not only the defense but also the team’s draft needs.
He ends his career with two interceptions, 13 forced fumbles and 58 sacks.
Green Bay beefs up the linebacking corps before its date with the 49ers
The Green Bay Packers have battled an outrageous number of injuries to key players all season. Just in time for Saturday’s NFC playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers, the Packers will be at about as close to full strength as possible for this late in the NFL season.
Za'Darius Smith and Whitney Mercilus are both available for the Saturday playoff game.
The team released DL Jack Heflin and CB Isaac Yiadom to make these moves. Despite Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur playing coy about their situations all week, the Packers activated pass-rushers Za’Darius Smith and Whitney Mercilus from the injured reserve on Friday.
The Packers defense may be getting several reinforcements for Saturday’s game against the 49ers. Edge rushers Za'Darius Smith and Whitney Mercilus both returned to practice last week after extended stays on injured reserve.
Failure to reach the end zone in the final quarter has been just as much a difference-maker in the Packers’ postseason losses as the defensive and special teams blunders.
This is a surprise, given Mercilus’ biceps tear occurring in mid-November.
In a shocking turn of events, the Packers designated Mercilus for return from injured reserve today after he suffered a torn biceps two months ago. The returns of David Bakhtiari, Josh Myers, Jaire Alexander, and even Za’Darius Smith were all somewhat expected over the last few weeks.
The Packers are further bolstering the pass rush with a former second-round draft pick from 2015. With the Green Bay Packers losing Whitney Mercilus to a season-ending injury two weeks ago and seeing Rashan Gary day-to-day with a hyperextended elbow, the group of edge rushers on the field for the team last week lacked significant star power.
OLB La’Darius Hamilton (released last week) is back on the practice squad The Green Bay Packers announced on Tuesday that they have signed Tipa Galeai from the practice squad to fill the void of Whitney Mercilus, their pass-rusher who was placed on injured reserve due to a biceps injury that occurred against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.
He ranks second in Texans history (behind J.J. Watt) in a number of statistics, including sacks (57), forced fumbles (13), tackles for loss (72), and QB hits (115).
Mercilus ultimately chose the Packers.
In February, the Houston Texans stunned the NFL world when they released franchise icon J.J. Watt. This week, the Texans pulled off another surprising move, as they have chosen to move on from fellow longtime Houston defensive end Whitney Mercilus.
This quintet is making a lot but not producing a lot.
- Texans veteran defensive end Whitney Mercilus is recovering from a Grade 1 hamstring strain, according to league sources not authorized to speak publicly.
The elder statesman of this new look Texans defense, defensive end Whitney Mercilus has opened up camp in great shape. He'll need to be a pivotal year with the franchise. Training camp is underway and Mercilus continues to improve each snap.
Can veteran pass-rusher Whitney Mercilus get right by getting light? “A lot of people, and lot of teams got thrown off last year,” Mercilus says. “All over the country, whether you’re playing football or whatever, things are starting to normalize and you’re seeing guys get back on top of their game.
The Patriots have a massive edge in Week 3. Stunned? Hah! Yardbarker's Michael Nania also explains where the Texans have a huge advantage over the Chargers.
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