The Green Bay Packers will have to finish the season without right tackle Zach Bako-Bewele after he suffered a torn patellar tendon in his right knee. The extent of the injury was reported Tuesday, and Bako-Bewele later spoke with reporters at the team facility, where he opened up about the devastating setback.
While speaking with reporters at his locker, the 27-year-old offensive lineman recalled knowing right away that something was seriously wrong with his leg when the injury happened, according to Vince Lovergine of Fox News 11. Bako-Bewele also pointed to the turf at the New York Jets‘ stadium as a factor that did little to help the situation.
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“Yeah, I knew something was wrong,” the Packers lineman remarked.
“I knew something was wrong. I mean, I don’t think the turf helped… It’s just something that happened. So, I just gotta move forward… It’s definitely not what I anticipated happening, but I just gotta get back to work and start thinking about next year.”
The injury added to an already difficult sequence for Green Bay. Bako-Bewele went down on the very next play after wide receiver Jayden Reed was carted off the field following a frightening hit to the head during the Packers’ matchup with the New York Jets.
Anthony Belton is expected to take over as Green Bay’s starting right tackle following Bako Bewele’s season ending injury. John Williams could also enter the conversation for the position, depending on how Matt LaFleur chooses to handle the right side of the offensive line.
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