The Green Bay Packers are taking no chances with one of their most important defensive leaders. All-Pro safety Xavier McKinney has been sidelined for the remainder of training camp and the entire preseason due to a calf injury. The move is purely precautionary, with the team confident he’ll be ready for Week 1 of the regular season.
A Proven Playmaker
McKinney is fresh off an elite 2024 season where he earned All-Pro honors and snagged eight interceptions, ranking second in the NFL. His ball-hawking ability and leadership in the secondary were key factors in Green Bay finishing among the league’s best in yards allowed and takeaways. The Packers rewarded him earlier this year with a four-year, $67 million contract, making him the highest-paid safety in franchise history.
The Cautious Approach
McKinney told reporters he’s thankful the injury was caught early:
“Glad we caught it when we caught it… I’ll be ready when it’s time to go, for sure.”
Head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed the plan: limit starters in the preseason to preserve them for meaningful games. With three weeks until kickoff, the Packers are betting on rest and rehab over rushing him back.
Impact on the Secondary
McKinney’s absence compounds a secondary depth problem already strained by cornerback Nate Hobbs’ recovery from meniscus surgery. In his place, rookies Javon Bullard and Evan Williams will get extended reps. This could push defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley toward more base 4-3 looks instead of nickel packages, potentially sacrificing flexibility in coverage.
That adjustment could be tested against pass-heavy offenses early in the season.
Betting Breakdown
For bettors, McKinney’s status is worth monitoring:
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Defensive props — Total interceptions, takeaways, and points allowed might see early shifts if the backups struggle.
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Passing yardage props — Opponents could test Green Bay deep without their star safety, creating potential overs on passing totals.
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Futures markets — If McKinney returns fully healthy in Week 1, there may be value in division or playoff futures before sportsbooks adjust.
Key Takeaway
The Packers are clearly prioritizing the long game over short-term camp reps. If McKinney returns at full strength for the opener, his absence in August could be nothing more than a speed bump in an otherwise dominant defensive season.
