Green Bay Packers lining up replacements for B.J. Raji
By Cory Buck
The Green Bay Packers won’t be able to replace the production that B.J. Raji brings at nose tackle, after having lost Raji for the season thanks to a torn bicep injury, but they’ll have to find someone who comes close. Fortunately, it appears the team has plenty of options.
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The first name on the list of players with a shot to take Raji’s spot on the roster is Josh Boyd, a jack-of-all-trades lineman who came to the team in the offseason from the Raiders.
“Josh Boyd is getting better each and every week,” coach Mike McCarthy said, per the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. “B.J. has been such an anchor in there, particularly the way we’ve approached defense this year. So I’m counting on someone to step up.”
Boyd, of course, was in support of the move. “Things happen a little faster (at nose tackle) because you’re closer to the ball. Three-technique, it’s kind of more open. But it’s nothing I can’t handle.”
Free agent rookie Mike Pennel is another option for the Packers as he has surprised many at camp. “I’m just trying to make the 53,” Pennel said. “We still have one more game to go. But I feel like I’ve made a lot of progress.”
Letroy Guion is the final candidate for Raji’s spot, according to the Sentinel-Journal. He was released by the Minnesota Vikings in March before signing a one-year deal in Green Bay. At present, he’s likely not the favorite for the job, but he just adds more options to a Green Bay team that’s hoping to take a step forward with its defense in 2014.