Green Bay Packers Matt LaFleur Reveals Key Defensive Player Will Return To Practice This Week
The Green Bay Packers defense has performed admirably over the last two weeks, securing wins against the Bengals and Cardinals. However, a key piece has been missing from the interior of their defensive line. That is set to change, as defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt is returning to practice after being sidelined with a knee injury since Week 4. This development is a massive boost for a Packers team preparing for a crucial Sunday night showdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
This article will dive into the details surrounding the Devonte Wyatt Packers practice return. We’ll explore the significant impact his presence has on the defense, break down his breakout performance this season, and look at what his potential availability means for the team moving forward.
Green Bay Packers Devonte Wyatt: A Welcome Sight on the Practice Field
Devonte Wyatt went down with a knee injury during the team’s Week 4 tie against the Dallas Cowboys. Initially described as “week-to-week” by Head Coach Matt LaFleur, Wyatt ended up missing two games following the bye week. While the Packers managed to win both contests, the defense felt his absence. Now, his return to the practice field signals that he is on the verge of rejoining the active roster.
“We’ll just see how he progresses throughout the week,” LaFleur told reporters, emphasizing a cautious approach. “He’s just got to prove it.” The coaching and medical staff will be monitoring him closely to ensure he is ready for game action. His participation level in practice—whether limited or full—will be a key indicator of his availability for Sunday’s game against the Steelers. Even if he is on a limited snap count, his return would be a significant morale and performance boost for the entire defensive unit.
The Wyatt Effect: A Tangible Impact
While the Packers have a 2-0 record without Wyatt, a closer look at the numbers reveals the defense has been more vulnerable in his absence. Before his injury, the defensive front was a dominant force. His ability to generate interior pressure and disrupt blocking schemes was a critical component of their early-season success.
According to advanced metrics, the defense’s success rate dropped from 59.1% to 55.3% in the games Wyatt missed. Furthermore, opposing offenses saw their Expected Points Added (EPA) per play rise from 0.001 to 0.007 without him on the field. While these numbers seem small, they represent a meaningful decline in defensive efficiency. In a league where games are often decided by a few key plays, having a difference-maker like Wyatt in the lineup is invaluable. His return would not only help shore up the run defense but also add a much-needed pass-rushing threat from the interior, freeing up opportunities for edge rushers like Micah Parsons.
A Breakout Season Interrupted
The 2025 season was shaping up to be a true breakout year for the 2022 first-round pick. After the offseason departures of veterans Kenny Clark and T.J. Slaton, Wyatt stepped into a much larger role and thrived. No longer just a rotational piece, he became a cornerstone of the defensive line, demonstrating marked improvement in both his pass-rushing and run-stopping abilities.
In less than three full games, Wyatt generated an impressive 13 pressures. To put that into perspective, he was on pace to record 73 pressures over a full 17-game season, which would have shattered his previous career-high of 45 set in 2023. This elevated level of play justified the Packers’ decision to pick up his fifth-year option for 2026, a move that locked in a key piece of their long-term defensive vision.
His improved performance against the run was particularly noteworthy. Previously seen as a pass-rush specialist with flaws in run defense, Wyatt had become a more complete, three-down player. His ability to hold his ground at the point of attack and shed blocks was a significant factor in the defense’s strong start to the year. The knee injury unfortunately paused this impressive trajectory, but his return to practice indicates he is ready to pick up where he left off.
What His Return Means for the Steelers Game
The timing of the Devonte Wyatt Packers practice return could not be better. The team faces a tough test against the Pittsburgh Steelers, a team known for its physical brand of football. Having Wyatt back in the trenches would be a massive asset in containing the Steelers’ run game and putting pressure on their quarterback.
If Wyatt is cleared to play, he will likely be eased back into action with a limited number of snaps. However, even in a rotational role, his ability to disrupt plays can change the dynamic of a game. His presence will command attention from the offensive line, creating more one-on-one matchups for his teammates. For a defense that has bent but not broken in recent weeks, getting a player of Wyatt’s caliber back is a game-changer.
The Packers have shown they can win without him, but they are undeniably a better team with him. His return fortifies the defensive front, adds a layer of depth, and brings a disruptive energy that was clearly missing. As the team prepares for a critical primetime matchup, all eyes will be on the practice reports to see if No. 95 will be ready to go on Sunday.
