Jeremy

Thompson

This has given Jeremy Thompson an extended chance to run as Green Bay’s starting right outside linebacker. It’s the No. 1 pass rushing position in the team’s new 3-4 defense, and coach Mike McCarthy considers Thompson a “natural” for the role. Matthews needs to get healthy soon to hold him off.

The job will likely go to rookie Clay Matthews by August, but Thompson could be Green Bay’s top rush linebacker off the bench. He’ll compete with Brady Poppinga for that role. Matthews remains the Packers’ best bet for sacks.

It took Matthews all of three practices to force the move. Coach Mike McCarthy is downplaying the change, but it’s clear the job is now Matthews’ to lose. Matthews is a more natural outside linebacker than Thompson, able play the run while also providing a pass rushing presence.

Rookie Clay Matthews has battled a bum hamstring since May, while Jeremy Thompson is currently running behind LOLB Aaron Kampman. Poppinga might be the best run stopper of the group, but won’t generate many sacks.

Thompson didn’t have double-digit sacks as a Wake Forest senior, but that was due mostly to the Demon Deacons’ conservative defensive scheme. He is a highly athletic rusher who may replace Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila eventually.

He probably won’t play on Sunday, but the injury isn’t believed to be serious. He was only hospitalized as a precaution. Thompson, a special teamer and reserve outside linebacker, has just one tackle on defense this season.