Green Bay Packers rookie defensive end Barryn Sorrell has a sprained MCL, according to ESPN’s Rob Demovsky. Fortunately, Sorrell expects to be out only a few weeks, so he may not require an injured-reserve designation to start the season.
A fourth-round pick out of Texas, Sorrell sustained the injury during Saturday’s preseason win against the Indianapolis Colts while making a tackle on punt coverage. He was examined in the blue medical tent and later spotted riding a stationary bike on the sideline, indicating the injury may not be serious.
Either way, a setback is not ideal for Sorrell, who was having a strong training camp and preseason. In the opener against the New York Jets, he flashed on film as a pass rusher with a couple of pressures, earning praise from defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley.
The Packers open the season against the Detroit Lions on Sept. 7, giving him just under three weeks to heal. If the team thinks Sorrell needs more time, they could place him on injured reserve after final cuts, which would sideline him for at least the first four games of the regular season.