One of the key plays in the Green Bay Packers decisive 38-20 victory over the Chicago Bears in Week 1 was the pick-six by linebacker Quay Walker. He intercepted a pass by Justin Fields and went 37 yards to the house, giving the Packers a 38-14 and their fourth touchdown of the second half.
Unfortunately, that same play is what has Walker in danger of missing the Packers’ Week 2 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. Head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed that Walker has entered the league’s concussion protocol after being evaluated for a concussion following the play.
Bears’ rookie offensive lineman Darnell Wright delivered a crushing blow to Walker as he was crossing the goal line. There was certainly no malicious intent, Wright was just trying to make a play and unfortunately, Walker was on the wrong end of it.
There are several hurdles that Walker will now need to pass to be on the field Sunday afternoon. Should he be unable to suit up, the Packers would likely turn to Isaiah McDuffie, who took his place in the lineup against Chicago.
McDuffie would have some huge shoes to fill as Walker had an excellent game against the Bears. The second-year player was the highest-graded Packers player in the game, receiving a 92.1 grade from PFF.
The Georgia product showed improvement against the run in Week 1 with a grade of 71.7, which was fifth-best on the team. He recorded a run defense grade higher than that only once as a rookie. His improvement in that area would go a long way to the Packers’ defense reaching the heights they are capable of.
In addition to the run defense, Walker remained elite in pass coverage. His 91.7 coverage grade was the highest on the Packers in Week 1, buoyed by the 37-yard interception for a touchdown. Overall he was in coverage for 29 pass plays, surrendering a passer rating of 62.5.
