The Green Bay Packers finally placed injured safety Nick Collins (neck) on IR Wednesday, as the Packers used his vacated roster spot to elevate G/T Ray Dominguez from the practice squad to bolster an offensive line that has been ravaged by injuries.
Collins, a three-time All-Pro, was hurt in Week 2 against the Panthers as he attempted to make a tackle on Carolina running back Jonathan Stewart. He had successful fusion surgery to repair the injury but his season was ruled over by team physicians.
The Packers waited to put Collins on IR until now, as GM Ted Thompson and coach Mike McCarthy attempted to find a hole in the roster that needed filling. Chad Clifton’s hamstring injury last Sunday against the Falcons eventually forced the Packers hand. Coupled with an inactive Bryan Bulaga (knee), the Packers went through the rest of the Falcons game with only six healthy offensive lineman.
Instead of rolling the dice once more with that situation, the Packers promoted Dominguez, an undrafted rookie from Arkansas who can play both inside and at tackle. Dominguez (6-4, 334) had a shaky preseason and training camp but continued to show improvement, which prompted the Packers to retain him on the practice squad after the final cuts were made.
McCarthy said on Wednesday that Dominguez would “primarily play inside,” which doesn’t rule out the possibility of playing tackle but suggests that he’ll get most of his reps at guard. Either way, Dominguez is there for depth purposes.
Bulaga also returned to practice on Wednesday, which is an encouraging sign for his health this week and moving forward. With Clifton out, the Packers are welcoming his return, despite how well both Marshall Newhouse and Derek Sherrod played in their respective roles in Atlanta. The Packers mixed and matched the three at various positions on Wednesday, making it unclear what the plan is for St. Louis. If Bulaga is healthy, however, I’d guess that he remains on the right side while Newhouse starts at left tackle. Sherrod would then be the backup at right tackle should either of those two go down.
——————Zach Kruse is a 23-year-old sports journalist with a passion for the Green Bay Packers. He currently lives in Wisconsin and is working on his journalism degree, while also covering prep sports for The Dunn Co. News.
You can read more of Zach's Packers articles on AllGreenBayPackers.com.
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Dang. I was hoping for Tori Gurley. But depth is important.
Just a bit off-topic, but it was nice to see Brett Swain hook up with the ‘Niners. I always liked him, but he never had a shot here behind our Fab Four/Five.
Gr8t move pack!
why did sherrod go in at RT? sooo whos the LT of the future, bulaga or sherrod?
At this point, Newhouse is the better option at tackle than Sherrod. That being said, you want your better tackle on the left side. It remains to be seen who will be that guy in the future. Hopefully some offseason programs will boost Sherrod’s technique next year.
We’ll find out soon. Bulaga is limited at practice and wearing a knee brace. I’m guessing if he isn’t moving as good as they want, he’ll not start on Sunday.