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The Green Bay Packers have lost defensive tackle Javon Hargrave for the rest of the season after an Achilles injury, adding another major absence to a defense already missing linebacker Edgerrin Cooper.
Tests confirmed the torn tendon on Monday, October 12, according to ESPN reporting carried by Field Level Media. The Packers also identified the injury as season-ending in their own Monday update.
The news complicates an otherwise encouraging weekend for Green Bay. Sunday’s 31-7 victory over the Chicago Bears lifted the Packers to 3-2, but they now face the next stage of their season with fewer healthy options up front.
Another Defensive Starter Is Lost
Hargrave, 33, went down without contact while pursuing Bears quarterback Case Keenum late in the fourth quarter. He left the field on a cart with 1:53 remaining.
Head coach Matt LaFleur had already expressed concern after the game. Monday’s testing reports turned that initial concern into a season-long setback.
Hargrave joined Green Bay as a free agent in March. The two-time Pro Bowl selection brought experience from 150 regular-season appearances and 49 career sacks, giving the Packers a veteran presence in the middle of their defensive line.
His injury follows the loss of Edgerrin Cooper, who suffered a season-ending Achilles injury against Tampa Bay the previous week. Green Bay has now lost important contributors at two different levels of its defense in consecutive games.
Reinforcements Are Still Uncertain
The Packers’ defensive tackle options were already limited. Warren Brinson remains on injured reserve, while Jordon Riley is still on the physically unable to perform list.
LaFleur said Monday that he hoped Anthony Campbell could return this week after missing two games with an ankle injury. That would restore an available player to the rotation, although his return has not been confirmed.
Meanwhile, edge rusher Micah Parsons has not received medical clearance to resume practice following knee surgery. LaFleur indicated that progress was being made, but Parsons will need practice time before returning to games. His recovery therefore offers no immediate solution to the current shortages.
The Bears Win Needs Context for Bettors
Sunday’s performance showed what Green Bay can deliver. The defense forced five turnovers, while Jordan Love threw for 367 yards. The victory also moved the Packers above .500 for the first time this season.
For NFL betting, the practical implication is that Green Bay’s next lineup will differ from the one that produced that result. Assessing its defensive strength now means considering Hargrave’s absence, Cooper’s loss and whether any injured players return.
That does not establish a particular change in point spreads or championship odds. It does make defensive availability a relevant part of evaluating the Packers ahead of their upcoming home game against the Dallas Cowboys.
