The Green Bay Packers defense just got a huge boost. Rashan Gary, who tore his ACL in Week Nine last season, started this offseason on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. However, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN tweeted that the Packers have activated Gary from the PUP list.
Gary may now begin practicing on the field with the rest of the team. The Packers are participating in joint practices with the Cincinnati Bengals this week prior to their preseason game against them this weekend.
What Does Rashan Gary Being Active Mean for the Green Bay Packers?
To be very clear: Gary being activated off of the PUP now does not necessarily mean he will be ready for Week 1. He could be, but there is no guarantee.
The rest of the team has been practicing all day for two weeks now. While Gary has been present, he has been rehabbing his knee. It will take him some time to get up to speed.
That being said, Gary being activated early in training camp is great news for the team. If he is not ready to play in their Week One matchup against the Chicago Bears, he will be ready shortly thereafter. In other words, Green Bay can plan on having their best pass rusher on the field for the majority of the season (barring any setbacks).
Last season, Gary had five sacks in the team’s first four games and was well on his way to a Pro Bowl season before tearing his ACL in Detroit. If he is able to match or surpass his production from last season (he has gotten better every year), Gary could have a monster season for the Packers.
Gary will be extra motivated, too, as he is playing in the fifth-year option of his rookie contract. A big season for him in 2023 could mean a big payday.
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