The Green Bay Packers will get a big boost in the middle of their defensive line for Saturday’s Christmas Day showdown with the Cleveland Browns.
Pro Bowl defensive lineman Kenny Clark was back at practice on Thursday, meaning he’ll come off the COVID-19 reserve list and be available to play Saturday.
Clark, who was named to his second Pro Bowl on Wednesday, missed the Packers’ win over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday while on the reserve list. The Ravens rushed for 143 yards, including 70 yards on just 13 carries from running backs.
The Packers originally placed Clark on the list on Thursday of last week.
Getting him back comes at the perfect time. The Browns are talented up front along the offensive line and feature one of the NFL’s best rushing attacks. Also of note, Browns center J.C. Tretter is going on the COVID-19 reserve list after he tested positive on Thursday, meaning there will be no battle between Tretter and Clark – the two former teammates – on Saturday.
Over 13 games, Clark has produced 54 total pressures and 23 defensive stops, per Pro Football Focus. He also has four sacks and a career-high 13 quarterback hits.
If Clark comes off the COVID-19 reserve list on Thursday as expected, only receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling will remain on the list.
The Packers will provide a full injury report and game status designations later on Thursday.
