The Green Bay Packers and San Diego Chargers matched backups versus backups Thursday night in the teams’ first preseason games of the season. The game’s most notable events were a pair of injuries. Chargers running back Ryan Matthews suffered a broken clavicle a five-yard sweep right. The second year back is expected to miss four to six weeks after his Friday surgery. On the other side, Packers inside linebacker Desmond Bishop appeared to injure his right knee after a tackle. His status is uncertain.
While preseason games do not count, they do matter. A look at some Week 1 standouts:
- Shannon Eastin, referee: The NFL’s first female official did a solid job on all accounts as a line judge.
- Anthony Levine, Packers, safety: A practice squad member since 2010, Levine made five tackles and intercepted Chargers backup Jarrett Lee. Vying for the second safety spot alongside Morgan Burnett, Levine stood out Thursday.
- Bront Bird, Chargers, linebacker: The 23-year-old from Odessa, Texas led the game with 7 tackles, as well as half of a sack. At 6’4″, 250 pounds, Bird has the size to become an impact ‘backer. He finished his 2011 rookie year with 14 tackles, six coming against the Baltimore Ravens on December 18.
- Vincent Brown, Chargers, wide receiver: The 2011 third-rounder caught four passes for 81 yards. The San Diego State University product is jumbled in a gaggle of bean grabbers, but will certainly make the team. He finished last season with 19 receptions.
Keep an eye on Bird. That guy will earn some serious playing time with more games like this.
The Big Guy
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