The Green Bay Packers will finally get their rookie linebacker on the field today. Oren Burks, the Packers’ third-round draft pick from this spring, is active for Sunday’s game in Washington and is expected to start next to Blake Martinez. Burks had missed the Packers first two regular season games, along with the final two preseason games, due to a shoulder injury he suffered in warmups before the third exhibition contest.
Burks immediately brings improved athleticism and pass coverage ability to the Packers’ linebacking corps, likely lessening the number of snaps on which Mike Pettine will choose to line up with six or more defensive backs.