Injuries piled up in the Green Bay Packers’ interior offensive line in their Week 7 loss to the Detroit Lions. Starting center Sean Rhyan suffered an apparent lower-leg injury on the first drive after getting his leg rolled up on a run play. Meanwhile, his backup, Jacob Monk, suffered a quadriceps injury also on the same drive, and neither Rhyan nor Monk returned.
During the postgame press conference, Matt LaFleur told the media that neither player is expected to play Thursday night against the Carolina Panthers.
The Green Bay Packers’ $33 million starter gets brutal news
Green Bay Packers, Sean Rhyan
Green Bay Packers guard Sean Rhyan (75) is shown during the team’s mini camp Tuesday, June 11, 2024 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
According to Ian Rapoport, Sean Rhyan is believed to have suffered a high-ankle sprain, with X-Rays coming back negative, and he will have an MRI on Monday to determine the severity. Recovery from a high-ankle sprain generally takes four to six weeks, making him a prime injured reserve candidate. If he lands on IR, he can return as early as Week 13 against the New Orleans Saints, as BYEs don’t count toward the four-game absence.
#Packers C Sean Rhyan, who left Sunday’s game with an ankle injury, is believed to have suffered a high-ankle sprain, sources say.
X-Rays were negative, and he has an MRI today. But high-ankle sprains are often 4-6 week injuries. https://t.co/8neueTBdf0
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 26, 2026
Who takes over at center?
NFL: NFL Draft-Green Bay City Scenes
Apr 23, 2025; Green Bay, WI, USA; A Green Bay Packers logo helmet at the Packer Everywhere Draft Haus at the NFL Draft Experience at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
John Williams will likely start at center against the Panthers given the short week of preparation. Williams cross-trained at all five positions throughout the offseason, filling in for Rhyan and Monk for the rest of Sunday’s contest, and played well under the circumstances. Rookie fifth-round pick Jager Burton will likely serve as the backup.
More Packers news
NFL Expert Highlights ‘Ineffective’ Group in Packers’ Offense