The Green Bay Packers secured a vital division victory against the Detroit Lions on November 27, 2025, but the win came at a significant cost. Defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt suffered an ankle injury during the second half and was carted off the field, unable to place any weight on his left leg. Shortly after the injury, the Packers ruled him out for the remainder of the game.
Head coach Matt LaFleur expressed his concern for Wyatt in a post-game press conference, stating, “It doesn’t look good, guys. I’m sick for him. I’m sick for us. I mean, that’s a critical loss for our football team, for our defense, obviously,” according to ESPN’s Rob Demovsky.
Wyatt, a first-round draft pick from the University of Georgia in 2022, was serving as a full-time starter for the first time this season. Previously, he had a limited role as a rookie, as he was positioned behind veterans Kenny Clark, Jarran Reed, and Dean Lowry. With Reed and Lowry departing, Wyatt saw increased playing time during his sophomore season, recording significant contributions as a pass rusher with 5.5 sacks, six tackles for loss, and 11 quarterback hits in 2023.
As the Packers transitioned into the current season, both Clark and T.J. Slaton moved on, creating opportunities for Wyatt and rookie Colby Wooden to step into starting roles. Despite Wyatt’s impressive statistics, he continued to face challenges in run defense. In his fourth year, he had managed four sacks, five tackles for loss, and seven quarterback hits, but his performance in stopping the run remained inconsistent.
With Wyatt’s injury sidelining him for the foreseeable future, the Packers may look to Karl Brooks, who has surpassed both starters in snap count, to fill the gap alongside Wooden. The absence of Wyatt significantly impacts the pass-rushing capabilities of the interior line, raising concerns about the team’s defensive strategy moving forward.
Beyond the immediate on-field implications, Wyatt’s injury also complicates his contract situation. The Packers exercised his fifth-year option, but discussions regarding an extension had been anticipated. The injury could hinder negotiations, as the team may need to carefully evaluate Wyatt’s performance and health before committing to a long-term deal.
If the Packers decide to let Wyatt play out his fifth-year option, they will have more time to assess his contributions during the 2026 season. This situation places the organization in a difficult position, weighing Wyatt’s pass-rushing abilities against his struggles in run defense.
While further tests on Wyatt’s ankle will occur in the coming days, LaFleur’s comments suggest that the team is preparing for a season without him. As the Packers look to adapt, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how they respond to this significant setback and what it means for the remainder of the 2025 season.
