Van Ness was carted to Green Bay’s locker room in the second half, but he didn’t break a bone in his foot.
Green Bay Packers defensive end Lukas Van Ness was carted to the locker room during the team’s 27-18 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, but Van Ness’ injury doesn’t sound like it’s a season-ender based on how head coach Matt LaFleur spoke on the issue in his post-game press conference. Up front, LaFleur stated that he doesn’t believe that Van Ness broke something in his foot, a relief for Packers fans everywhere.
LaFleur also added that Van Ness simply felt “sore in his foot” and that he will be undergoing an MRI tomorrow, another sign that whatever Van Ness is dealing with is not bone-related. Hopefully, Van Ness can get back on his feet quickly, as he’s part of a three-man rotation at defensive end with Rashan Gary and Micah Parsons, who combine for the starters’ share of snaps at the position.
Beyond Van Ness, LaFleur said that kicker Brandon McManus, who told the media after his Wednesday practice quad injury that he was planning to play against the Bengals, that the kicker believed he could kick against Cincinnati, but “he said he felt something, too.” That was why the Packers decided to shut down McManus for action on Sunday and allowed Lucas Havrisik, who was just signed on Saturday, to kick for the team. Havrisik went a perfect two of two on field goal attempts and three of three on extra points.
LaFleur did not give updates on safety Javon Bullard (concussion) or receiver Dontayvion Wicks (ankle), who were both lost in the Bengals game. He also didn’t address the situations with offensive lineman Anthony Belton (ankle) or defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt (knee), who didn’t suit up for the game due to injury.
