The Green Bay Packers secured a crucial division victory on November 28, 2025, in their Thanksgiving matchup against the Detroit Lions. However, the win came at a significant cost, as defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt sustained an ankle injury during the second half. Wyatt had to be carted off the field, unable to put weight on his left leg, and was subsequently ruled out for the remainder of the game.
Head coach Matt LaFleur expressed his concerns during a post-game press conference, stating, “It doesn’t look good, guys. I’m sick for him. I’m sick for us. I mean, that’s a critical loss for our football team, for our defense, obviously.” The severity of the injury remains unclear, and no official timeline for Wyatt’s return has been announced.
Wyatt, a first-round draft pick for the Packers from the University of Georgia in 2022, has been a full-time starter this season. In his rookie year, he played a limited role, primarily due to being behind veteran players such as Kenny Clark, Jarran Reed, and Dean Lowry on the depth chart. With Reed and Lowry no longer on the team, Wyatt had taken on a more significant role in 2025, demonstrating his potential as a strong pass rusher. He recorded 5.5 sacks, six tackles for loss, and 11 quarterback hits earlier in the season.
As the season progressed, Wyatt became a key part of the Packers’ defensive strategy, especially after the departure of Clark, who was traded to the Dallas Cowboys, and Slaton, who moved to the Cincinnati Bengals. Wyatt and Colby Wooden, another player drafted in 2023, were expected to fill the gaps left by these departures. With Wyatt’s injury, Wooden may now be joined by Karl Brooks, who has been a prominent rotational player this season, stepping up in Wyatt’s absence.
This injury raises questions about the Packers’ defensive line depth and effectiveness moving forward. Wyatt’s absence could diminish the interior pass rush, which has been a point of strength for the team. Brooks, while not a full-time starter, has seen significant playing time and may be called upon to take on a larger role.
Additionally, the contract situation surrounding Wyatt adds another layer of complexity. The Packers exercised his fifth-year option on his rookie deal, which indicates their belief in his potential. There were expectations for extension talks to begin, but the current injury situation may complicate these discussions. Should Wyatt’s injury sideline him for the remainder of the season, the Packers could face difficult decisions regarding his future. They might consider crafting an extension that reflects his pass-rushing abilities while factoring in his injury history and performance issues against the run.
As the situation develops, the Packers will conduct further evaluations of Wyatt’s ankle in the coming days. LaFleur’s comments suggest that Wyatt may not return to the field in 2025, but until a definitive prognosis is provided, the team remains hopeful for a positive outcome. The Packers will need to adapt quickly to ensure their defensive strategies remain effective in Wyatt’s absence.
