Green Bay Packers- The Green Bay Packers have suffered a major setback, losing their 2024 first-round draft pick, offensive lineman Jordan Morgan, for the rest of the season due to a lingering shoulder injury. Head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed the news, revealing that Morgan has been dealing with this issue since August. The injury, which kept him out of the last five games, has now landed him on injured reserve.

Morgan’s shoulder problems began during training camp, preventing him from securing the starting role at right guard. He reinjured the same shoulder in Week 2, forcing him to miss three consecutive games. Although he managed to make his first career start against the Detroit Lions, the injury flared up again during practice shortly afterward, sidelining him for the remainder of the season.

In total, Morgan appeared in six games this year, mostly serving as a rotational guard behind Sean Rhyan. The team remains hopeful that Morgan will fully recover and compete for a starting role next season.

Despite this unfortunate development, the Packers are still positioned to secure a playoff berth in Week 16. With a solid season under their belt, the team can clinch a spot by defeating the New Orleans Saints on Monday Night Football. Given the Saints’ struggles this season, including a likely season-ending injury to quarterback Derek Carr and Alvin Kamara’s questionable status due to a groin injury, the Packers have a favorable opportunity to lock in their postseason spot.

If Green Bay fails to win, their playoff hopes will depend on other outcomes: the Atlanta Falcons would need to lose to the New York Giants, and the Los Angeles Rams would need to fall to the New York Jets. However, relying on these scenarios is risky, as both the Falcons and Rams are expected to win their respective matchups. The simplest path forward for the Packers is to secure a win on Monday night.

A playoff appearance would mark the team’s second consecutive postseason under quarterback Jordan Love, highlighting his growth and the team’s potential. After last year’s surprising Wild Card victory against the Dallas Cowboys, the Packers are eager to make an even deeper playoff run this season.