The Green Bay Packers' preparations for the NFL playoffs were dealt a severe and distressing setback on Saturday night, as cornerback Kamal Hadden was carted from the field with a horrific leg injury during a heavy defeat to the Baltimore Ravens.
A Brutal Night at Lambeau Field
The Packers, already carrying several injuries into the game, fell to a 41-24 loss at Lambeau Field, largely thanks to an inspired performance from Ravens running back Derrick Henry. The result served as a stark reality check for Matt LaFleur's team, who have already secured at least a wild-card berth for the post-season.
However, the most concerning moment came in the third quarter. Hadden, who had entered the game to replace the injured Nate Hobbs, combined with teammate Edgerrin Cooper to tackle Henry after a minimal gain. As the players fell, Hadden's leg became trapped underneath the weight of his colleague, buckling sickeningly.
Immediate Aftermath and Playoff Implications
The rookie cornerback was left writhing in agony on the turf. Medical staff swiftly brought a cart onto the field and applied an aircast to his leg. Players from both teams gathered in a show of respect and concern, praying for Hadden as he was eventually driven from the stadium.
The injury is almost certain to rule Hadden out for the entirety of the NFL playoffs, a major blow for the Packers' defensive depth. With Hobbs also sidelined by a first-half knee injury, Green Bay's options at cornerback are now severely limited to Carrington Valentine, Keisean Nixon, Bo Melton, and Javon Bullard.
Quarterback Absence Compounds Problems
The Packers were also without starting quarterback Jordan Love, who had not cleared the concussion protocol following a hit in the previous week's game against the Chicago Bears. In his place, Malik Willis started and completed 18 of his 21 pass attempts for 288 yards and one touchdown.
While Willis's performance offered a silver lining, the night will be remembered for the devastating injury to Kamal Hadden. As the Packers turn their focus to the playoffs, they must now regroup and find solutions for a defence that has been significantly weakened at a crucial juncture of the season.
