The Green Bay Packers filled the open roster spot left by Cole Madison’s placement on injured reserve with the promotion of rookie offensive tackle Yosh Nijman from the practice squad, according to Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
The Packers’ offensive line, once injury-free, now needs the help.
Madison suffered a season-ending knee injury during practice last Thursday, and starting right tackle Bryan Bulaga left Sunday night’s loss to the San Francisco 49ers with a knee injury that could keep him out several weeks.
Nijman, at 6-7, has tremendous measurables but entered the NFL as a raw offensive tackle prospect. He was with the Packers during training camp and has spent the entire season on the practice squad. He’ll provide the Packers with an emergency option should more injuries strike the position.
Packers coach Matt LaFleur kept the door open for moving starting right guard Billy Turner out to right tackle, a backup plan they’ve practiced dating back to training camp. In that scenario, backup interior offensive lineman Lucas Patrick would be the front runner to taking over Turner’s spot at right guard and leave Alex Light – who played in place of Bulaga on Sunday night – as the backup tackle on both sides.
Nijman, a converted defensive end, started 22 games at left tackle and 11 at right tackle at Virginia Tech.
