Green Bay Packers offensive line suffers more losses against Browns
The Green Bay Packers have subbed in makeshift tackle Ben Braden into the lineup at left tackle during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns. Already missing All-Pro starter David Bakhtiari in the lineup, the absence of backup Yosh Nijman led the Packers to play fourth-string tackle and backup guard Braden on the blindside of franchise quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
No reason for Nijman’s absence has been provided, and third-string tackle Dennis Kelly was forced into the starting lineup on the right side after Billy Turner was ruled out with a knee injury. Other players listed at tackle/guard on the Packers official roster include rookies Royce Newman and Cole Van Lanen. With Newman started at right guard due to injuries it leaves Van Lanen next in line if another injury or absence occurs.
UPDATE: Yosh Nijman returned to the lineup on the next possession with no further explanation on his absence the previous drive.
In addition to the attrition at left tackle, the Green Bay Packers remain without interior starters Elgton Jenkins and Josh Myers who landed on the injury reserve list.
Aaron Rodgers breaks franchise record
Merry Christmas, Aaron Rodgers. The Green Bay Packers quarterback put himself in a class of his own on Saturday.
Rodgers found Allen Lazard for a touchdown during Saturday’s game against the Cleveland Browns — his 443rd touchdown pass as a Packer. The score officially broke Brett Favre’s franchise record of 442 touchdown passes.
On Dec. 19, Rodgers tied Favre’s longstanding Packers record of 442 touchdown passes in the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens. With 12:58 remaining in the game, Rodgers fired an 11-yard touchdown strike to Marquez Valdes-Scantling.
Favre finished his career as one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game and Rodgers is going to do the same once he decides to hang up his cleats. As a young starter, Rodgers would look up Favre’s records in the Packers’ programs while he was on the bench in Green Bay.
Favre played for the Packers from 1992-2007. During that time, he firmly cemented his legacy as one of the all-time greats in NFL history. When he suited up for Green Bay, he threw for 61,655 passing yards and 442 touchdowns, while tossing in 286 interceptions. Favre was known for his gunslinging, no-fear style of playing the position.
Rodgers is the only player in NFL history with more than 300 passing touchdowns and less than 100 interceptions. Now, he can add another impressive stat to his resume.