The Green Bay Packers are bracing for the likelihood that linebacker Nick Barnett will miss the remainder of the season with a wrist injury that requires surgery.
That might not be the only significant injury the team sustained in last Sundays victory over the Detroit Lions.
Right tackle Mark Tauscher was held out of practice on Wednesday and listed on the injury report with a shoulder issue. According to an NFL source, there is fear that Tauschers injury is serious and he could wind up being sidelined for a significant period of time.
Tauscher returned from a knee injury to re-join the Packers during last season and the veteran helped stabilize an offensive line that had been struggling to protect quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The 11-year veteran has started has been a book end along with Chad Clifton for most of the last decade in Green Bay.
If Tauscher is sidelined, the Packers will be forced to scramble. Theyve been hit by injuries up front again and Breno Giacomini, an offensive tackle who was on the practice squad, was recently signed to the 53-man roster of the Seattle Seahawks.
First-round draft pick Bryan Bulaga has spent more time working at guard and at left tackle than he has on the right side. He'd probably figure in the mix if Tauscher indeed is forced out.
Stay tuned for information on Tauscher.