ASHBURN, Va. — The Washington Football Team travels to face the Green Bay Packers in their Week 7 matchup of the 2021 NFL Season.
Will we finally see on the field what we see on paper from the Washington defense? Or will it be Aaron Rodgers running away with his sixth win of the season?
David Harrison (Locked On WFT) and Peter Bukowsky (Locked On Packers) come together to discuss key matchups, the biggest storylines, and pick the winner of this weekend's contest for the teams they cover.
All leading up to one final preview before we hit the weekend, on the Locked On Washington Football Team Podcast.
Read and listen to more below:
SURGING RODGERS
Since throwing two interceptions and no touchdowns in the Packers’ season-opening loss, Rodgers has returned to his usual form. The three-time MVP has 12 touchdown passes and only one interception during the Packers’ winning streak.
Rodgers is benefiting from Davante Adams’ continued rise. Adams has followed up his 2020 All-Pro season by leading the NFL in yards receiving (668) and sharing the NFL lead in catches (46).
NEW WASHINGTON KICKER
Washington released kicker Dustin Hopkins and signed Chris Blewitt, a 26-year-old who will be making his NFL regular-season debut Sunday.
Hopkins, who was in his seventh season with Washington, missed a 42-yard field goal in a 31-13 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs last weekend. He was 12 of 14 on field-goal attempts this season but had missed two extra points in an Oct. 3 victory at Atlanta.
“(We) really appreciate everything Dustin has done for us,” Washington coach Ron Rivera said. “He’s a solid football player. He’ll get an opportunity to play again. I just felt at this time it was something that I felt we had to do going forward. This was my move, my decision, and I’ll live with it.”
INJURY UPDATE
Washington running back Antonio Gibson (shin) and wide receiver Terry McLaurin (hamstring) didn’t practice Wednesday, putting their availability for Sunday’s game in question.
Packers offensive tackle David Bakhtiari is practicing with the Packers again after opening the season on the physically unable to perform list, which meant he couldn’t play in the first six games. The Packers aren’t saying yet just when Bakhtiari will return as he comes back from a torn anterior cruciate ligament.
Green Bay outside linebacker Preston Smith, who played for Washington from 2015-18, injured his oblique in a 24-14 victory at Chicago last weekend. His status for Sunday’s game is uncertain.
PASS RUSHERS TO WATCH
With many of his teammates on defense out with injuries, Packers defensive tackle Kenny Clark has stepped forward lately. Clark recorded two sacks against the Bears and already has exceeded his 2020 season totals in sacks and tackles for loss.
Washington’s Chase Young has 1½ sacks over his last two games after getting none in his first four.
VERSATILE McKISSIC
Washington’s J.D. McKissic had a career-high 110 yards from scrimmage in the Chiefs game, as he caught eight passes for 65 yards and had eight carries for 45 yards. He could get even more opportunities Sunday if Gibson is unavailable.