The Green Bay Packers may be walking into their Week 2 game against the New York Jets with two more defensive questions hanging over them.
According to ESPN’s Rob Demovsky, Lukas Van Ness and Javon Hargrave are both dealing with concussion symptoms, and that could keep them sidelined for Sunday’s matchup. Demovsky reported that the timing of the issues traces back to Sunday’s game, with the symptoms showing up later than expected.
“LaFleur said Lukas Van Ness went into the concussion protocol on Monday and Javon Hargrave yesterday. Both were residual effects from Sunday’s game, which can sometimes happen where concussions symptoms are delayed,” wrote the NFL insider in his post on X (formerly Twitter).
LaFleur said Lukas Van Ness went into the concussion protocol on Monday and Javon Hargrave yesterday. Both were residual effects from Sunday’s game, which can sometimes happen where concussions symptoms are delayed.
- Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) September 17, 2026
If both players are still in concussion protocol tomorrow, their chances of suiting up against the Jets would take a hit. Players have to clear multiple steps before they’re allowed back on the field, so neither defender can be considered safe at this point.
The potential losses would add to a defense that is already dealing with some real strain. Green Bay has spent the offseason trying to account for Micah Parsons’ absence as he works back from a torn ACL, and the search for edge production didn’t pay off in Week 1. The Packers opened the season with a frustrating loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
There is at least some hope on the offensive side. Aaron Banks could be available for Week 2 after sitting out the opener with knee tendinitis, a problem that has lingered since the offseason. Green Bay is hoping he can get back and handle a near-full workload.
The bigger picture is simple: the Packers have already seen how fast injuries can force them into shuffle mode, and getting players back sooner rather than later will matter as the season moves forward.
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