The Packers were "very concerned" about the knee injury that knocked offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga from Monday night's 30-17 loss to the Lions.
And early Tuesday the team's worst fear became a reality as tests revealed Bulaga tore his ACL, NFL Media reported. The team later confirmed the season-ending injury.
The starting offensive line that Green Bay projected in August was intact Monday for only the second time this season, but Bulaga's fourth-quarter injury means the unit won't be together again this season. Bulaga was carted off the field in the fourth quarter of Monday's loss to the Detroit Lions. Bulaga was engaged in a block with Lions defensive end Anthony Zettel when his right knee buckled. He was later carted to the locker room and immediately ruled out for the remainder of the game.
Bulaga, who missed three games earlier this season with an ankle injury, was sidelined for the entire 2013 season after tearing the ACL in his left knee.
Bulaga's season-ending injury is the latest blow to a Packers offense that might be without quarterback Aaron Rodgers for the remainder of the season. Coach Mike McCarthy told reporters on Tuesday that safety Morgan Burnett (groin) will not be available this week in Chicago.
Justin McCray replaced Bulaga but limped off the field late with an apparent ankle injury.
Second-year offensive tackle Jason Spriggs expects to take over for Bulaga once the Packers officially activate him off injured reserve. The team designated Spriggs as one of its two IR-return players last week.
