Green Bay Packers starting slot corner Javon Bullard was held out of Monday’s practice and was wearing a walking boot on his right foot. Bullard exited Sunday’s practice early and was seen talking to a trainer.
From Ryan Wood of PackersNews.com:
This would be a tough blow to Green Bay’s defense if Bullard is out for an extended period. Given how much nickel defense is played in today’s NFL, he is basically an every-down starter.
Before Monday’s practice, Matt LaFleur had high praise for Bullard, whose role is continuing to expand entering Year 3.
“He’s a dog, man,” LaFleur said. “You talk about a guy who plays with the right mentality, the right play style, what we want to be about. It’s been cool to see his evolution. We’ve put him in more man coverage situations, and I think he’s really progressed.”
Drafted in the second round as a safety out of Georgia, Bullard has found a home in the slot. Between him and safeties Xavier McKinney and Evan Williams, the three give the Packers flexibility in how they deploy the secondary.
When Bullard exited Sunday’s practice, Kitan Oladapo replaced him at slot corner. Oladapo was drafted in the fifth round the same year as Bullard, and, like Bullard, primarily played safety in college.
Bullard is among several new injuries that have popped up for Green Bay over the last few days, resulting in multiple starters missing practice. We should learn more about the extent of his injury soon.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Packers starting nickel Javon Bullard misses practice, in walking boot
Reporting by Brandon Carwile, Packers Wire / Packers Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Brandon Carwile, Packers Wire | USA TODAY Network
