The Sports Xchange
The Green Bay Packers confirmed that running back Eddie Lacy sustained a concussion during Thursday night’s 36-16 season-opening loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
Late Friday, Packers coach Mike McCarthy said the second-year running back had passed the first step of the NFL’s concussion protocol. Lacy, according to a league source, said he is optimistic he will be cleared to play in Green Bay’s next game on Sept. 14 against the New York Jets.
Earlier Friday, the Packers said starting right tackle Bryan Bulaga suffered a sprained MCL to his left knee in the second quarter. McCarthy was unsure how much, if any, time Bulaga would miss.
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He injured the same knee in training camp last summer, and missed the 2013 season after ACL reconstruction. He was playing in his first game since November 2012 and was wearing a brace on the knee.
Lacy, a second-year player, departed in the second half after picking up 34 yards on 12 carries. He left the locker room wearing sunglasses but could not talk to reporters per the NFL’s concussion policy.
Lacy on Thursday night wore a new Riddell helmet called the SpeedFlex, which the company says helps better absorb impact force by adding flexibility to certain parts of the helmet, according to ESPN.com.
Some players are wearing the helmet, especially those who previously had concussions. It will hit the general retail market Oct. 1.
Bulaga was hurt when he collided with tight end Richard Rodgers after Lacy cut back for a 3-yard gain. After remaining on the turf for several minutes, Bulaga limped to the sideline and later left for the locker room. He was replaced by backup Derek Sherrod.
Bulaga missed all of the 2013 season after tearing an ACL during a preseason scrimmage and had his 2012 season cut short with a hip injury.
The Packers’ offensive line came into the opener already missing injured starting center J.C. Tretter. Rookie Corey Linsley took Tretter’s place.
