The Green Bay Packers' defense was dealt a blow on Monday when Adam Schefter confirmed that Whitney Mercilus would miss the rest of the season after tearing his biceps against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.
Packers? LB Whitney Mercilus, who brought added pass rush to Green Bay since the team signed him this season, tore his biceps Sunday and will miss the rest of this season, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 15, 2021
Mercilus started the year with the Houston Texans but was released partway through the season. He signed with the Packers ahead of Week 7, appearing in four games and recording five tackles and one sack. The 31-year-old didn't start any games for the Packers but played just under half of the defensive snaps.
Preston Smith is the Packers' primary option at weakside linebacker. Mercilus was signed in part to offset the loss of Chauncey Rivers, who tore his ACL at the start of October. Green Bay could turn to Ty Summers or Jonathan Garvin for help on the weak side, but a player will need to be added to their roster.
Next up for the Packers is an NFC North matchup with the Minnesota Vikings. FanDuel Sportsbook has Green Bay listed as -2.5 favorites ahead of the Week 11 contest.
