Green Bay Packers defensive lineman Barryn Sorrell. Sarah Kloepping/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Packers rookie pass-rusher's return unknown after suffering sprained MCL

By Jordan Sigler | Last updated Aug 19, 2025 5:25 PM ET

The Green Bay Packers have a big unknown on the defensive line before they play the Detroit Lions in Week 1.

Rookie defensive end Barryn Sorrell exited the Packers' 23-19 preseason win over the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday with a knee injury.

Per Rob Demovsky of ESPN, Sorrell confirmed he suffered an MCL sprain and will be out for a "few weeks."

"Rookie DL Barryn Sorrell’s knee injury is a sprained MCL," Demovsky posted on X. "He said he does not think he will be out more than a few weeks, so perhaps he won’t need an IR-designated to return spot."

Rookie DL Barryn Sorrell’s knee injury is a sprained MCL. He said he does not think he will be out more than a few weeks so perhaps he won’t need an IR-designated to return spot.
— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) August 19, 2025

A vague timeline of a few weeks puts Sorrell's availability in question before the Packers play the Lions on Sept. 7. Green Bay has a short turnaround in Week 2, when they play the Washington Commanders on Sept. 11. That's a lot to ask for a player coming off an injury to play.

The fourth-round pick has three tackles in the preseason. Sorrell was competing for playing time on the defense in training camp and is listed behind Rashan Gary and Brenton Cox on the 53-man roster. He is expected to be a key contributor on special teams

Sorrell was a force during his four years at Texas. He appeared in 49 games and made 132 tackles, 26 tackles for loss and 15.5 sacks. He recorded six sacks for the Longhorns in 2024.

Jordan Sigler

Jordan Sigler is a sports writer with a decade of experience as a journalist, including his time as a breaking news/day cops reporter for the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. His sports coverage across the NFL, NBA, WNBA, MLB, NHL, and college football world has also been featured at ChiCitySports, Gridiron Heroics, Pro Football Network, and Athlon Sports. Based in Austin, Texas, Jordan graduated with a bachelor's degree in journalism from Texas Tech University in 2014

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