Rick

Wagner

Wagner is said to be eyeing retirement following his release. His departure frees up $4.25 million in cap space following a year in which he started nine regular season games for the Packers including both playoff contests. Green Bay is expected to be bidders on the open market since All-Pro LT David Bakhtiari (ACL) isn’t likely to be ready for the 2021 season opener.

It’s bad news for a Packers offense that’s already missing LT David Bakhtiari (chest), though it won’t be an issue against the injury-ruined 49ers. The Packers shuffled things along the line for the second half in San Francisco. Wagner will have 10 days to try to get cleared for Week 10 against the Jaguars. Bakhtiari should be back by then.

Turner is coming back from a knee injury that kept him off the field in Week 1. He was declared active but is clearly not at full health yet and will only be used in an emergency. Wagner was with the Lions from 2017 to 2019. He started 30 games in Detroit.

Wagner was released by Detroit a few days ago and was quickly linked to the Packers. His signing likely means Bryan Bulaga’s days in Green Bay are over, as Wagner will take over his duties on the offensive line. Wagner provided Matthew Stafford serviceable protection up until his career-worst season in 2019. He’ll be looking to rebound in a new environment this fall.

The Packers interest in Wagner suggests they won’t be re-signing Bryan Bulaga. Wagner was a cap casualty from Detroit this offseason but is still serviceable as a swingman/low-end starter. Signing with the Packers would be a homecoming for Wagner, who went to college at Wisconsin.

Wagner’s release will save Detroit $6.1 million against the cap. The 30-year-old started 40 games across three seasons with the Lions after signing a five-year, $47.5 million contract ahead of the 2017 season. Last year was his worst season with the team, so he’ll likely be signed as a low-end starter or backup option this free agency period.

Wagner will end his season with three consecutive missed games. The Lions are banged up on both sides of the line of scrimmage, as the absence of Robinson is bad news for their chances at slowing down Aaron Jones and company.

Wagner was downgraded Friday after getting in two limited practices. He’ll will miss another week but the Lions are holding off on shutting him down. Tyrell Crosby will continue to start in Wagner’s place.

Wagner was carted off following a collision with Bears LB Nick Kwiatkoski early in the second quarter. Tyrell Crosby is in at right tackle for Detroit.

Detroit will have LT Taylor Decker (shoulder), but the offensive line is yet another concern for a banged-up offense. Detroit also declared Kerryon Johnson (knee), Bruce Ellington (hamstring), DL Da’Shawn Hand (knee), S Charles Washington (hamstring), CB Marcus Cooper (back), and FB Nick Bellore (ankle) inactive for Week 15.