SATURDAY, 7:28pm: Bulaga should return in four to six weeks, ESPN’s Rob Demovsky reports (via Twitter).
SATURDAY, 3:43pm: Bulaga’s recovery timetable will increase now that the sixth-year tackle underwent surgery for a torn meniscus, according to Albert Breer and Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter). A more severe injury than a mere MCL sprain, Bulaga is now expected to miss at least six weeks.
The Packers’ bye is in Week 7, so they could have him back after five missed games in Week 8, but this is obviously a much bigger setback. In the meantime, backup Don Barclay will start. The fourth-year undrafted talent started 14 games for Green Bay at right guard in 2013.
THURSDAY, 7:26pm: Packers starting right tackle Bryan Bulaga left Thursday’s practice with a knee injury, but ESPN’s Rob Demovsky reports that it’s not as serious as initially feared. Bulaga sustained a sprained MCL, according to Demovsky (Twitter link). Bulaga had the same injury last year and only missed one game. His status for this week’s game against defending NFC champion Seattle is currently unknown.
Just weeks after losing Pro Bowl wide receiver Jordy Nelson to a season-ending ACL tear, seeing Bulaga – a fellow offensive stalwart – suffer a similar injury would’ve been a cruel twist of fate for the Packers. Bulaga has been an outstanding member of Green Bay’s line since the team used a first-round pick on him in 2010, although injuries have been an issue throughout his career. The 26-year-old started a career-high 15 games last season and subsequently signed a five-year deal worth upward of $33MM to remain with the Packers.