The Green Bay Packers will be without linebacker Nick Perry for some time. Head coach Mike McCarthy announced on Thursday that Perry will have to undergo surgery on an injured hand.
“Mike McCarthy announced prior to Thursday’s practice that Packers linebacker Nick Perry is scheduled for surgery on his injured hand,” a report from the team’s website noted. “McCarthy provided no other specifics on the injury, nor a timeline for Perry’s potential return.”
Perry, 27, put up a breakout performance for the Packers last season en route to recording 52 tackles and a career-high 11 sacks. He had already put up 1.5 sacks in two games this season.
It will be a major short-term blow for a Packers defense that in the past had a hard time putting consistent pressure on the quarterback. Though, it must also be noted that Perry missed only two games last season after undergoing surgery on the same hand. This is unlikely to be a long-term injury.
Green Bay takes on the Cincinnati Bengals and Chicago Bears at home the next two weeks. It should be able to take care of business, even with the team’s best pass rusher likely sidelined for both games.