Avoiding injuries is one of the top goals for every team in the NFL when taking part in OTAs. Unfortunately, they will sometimes still happen, and that is what the Green Bay Packers are currently working through with Lukas Van Ness.
With some of the veterans still away from the team for excused absences, younger guys have an opportunity to get on the field. One of the players people are excited to see on the Green Bay Packers is Lukas Van Ness.
Alas, we won’t be seeing much of him in the coming days, and potentially weeks. On Wednesday, head coach Matt LaFleur revealed that the pass rusher is dealing with a broken thumb. Thankfully, the injury does not sound like it is too severe.
As shared by Acme Packing Co. of SB Nation, Lukas Van Ness is dealing with the tip of his thumb being broken. At this point in the offseason program, there is no reason to push him. But, nothing is suggesting he will miss a significant period of time.
With Lukas Van Ness sidelined, the starting edge rushers during OTAs has been Kinglsey Enagbare and Brenton Cox Jr. Rashan Gary and Preston Smith are not currently with the team with excused absences.
Big things are expected from Lukas Van Ness in 2024. He should see his role expand during his sophomore season, especially with how well he played down the stretch. Despite being on the field for 50 percent of the snaps only once in the final eight games, including the postseason, he still picked up four sacks.
The Iowa product should see plenty of more playing time this season. The Green Bay Packers notoriously bring first-round picks along slowly on the defensive front, as they did the same with Gary in his rookie season. A breakout could be on the horizon, as Lukas Van Ness is impressing teammates in the early going.
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