“Lambeau Field” by Tony Webster (CC BY-SA 2.0)
The Green Bay Packers have had a rough time with injuries this season and, although Aaron Rodgers is the huge one, their constant problems at cornerback have not helped them at all this season. They have had numerous injuries throughout the season, and are down to the bare bones for the remainder of this season. They have gone all the way to the bottom of the depth chart, and now it is the time of Josh Hawkins to step up and be the one to perform under the spotlight.
Hawkins has come to the fore in recent games and taken the chances presented to him due to the injury crisis in Green Bay. His stats are fairly good, especially when you consider some of the situations the 24-year-old has been placed in, and he has taken on his extra responsibility in good fashion.
Hawkins went through the 2016 draft without anyone picking him up, and eventually signed for the Packers on May 6th of 2016. That proved to be a good move and, after five tackles and two interceptions in pre-season, he earned a spot on the 53-man roster. Although he was well down the pecking order when he started, injuries have given him the opportunity to shine and right now he is a starting cornerback on the Green Bay Packers team.
With just a small amount of games remaining this season, and with the playoffs looking out of reach barring a miracle, now is the time for players to shine and try to prove they are worthy of having a place on the roster next season. After injuries to many other players, Hawkins has been given valuable game time and, by performing well, that can only aid his chances of playing a bigger role next season, despite players returning from fitness.
“Josh Hawkins” by Keith Allison (CC BY-SA 2.0)
It will be interesting to see how the Packers play over the next few games and, during the games, they will certainly be worth watching when they don’t have the football. It may even be worth a bet in play after seeing how the Packers have started defensively if you are looking to back them in one of their upcoming games. Seeing how they settle and how they defend on the opening few drives will determine their chances of winning the game.
While Aaron Rodgers has grabbed the headlines for his absence from the Packers this season, football is a team game and the losses on defense are just as vital. Those missing from the cornerback position have really hurt Green Bay and left them down to the bare minimum, with Josh Hawkins finding himself in a starting position for the remainder of this season.
Look out for Hawkins to impress under the spotlight and playing more minutes, and he could seal a bigger spot for next season, even when those who are injured return to action. The Lions’ game will be key to cementing his role for the 2018 season in Green Bay