The Packers Need to Get on This Roster Gap

The Green Bay Packers have to figure out their edge rush situation, and soon. Micah Parsons is the kind of player who can change a game by himself when he's healthy. The All-Pro is one of the NFL 's premier pass rushers, which makes his knee injury particularly painful for Green Bay.

Parsons isn't expected back until at least mid-October, leaving the Packers to figure out how to survive without their biggest defensive piece for the opening stretch of the season. The options behind him aren't exactly overflowing with proven production. Lukas Van Ness was a first-round pick for a reason, but his first three NFL seasons have produced just 8.5 sacks.

Green Bay needs more from him now, especially with Parsons unavailable. If Van Ness can finally put everything together, the timing couldn't be better. More news: Chargers Players to Watch in Training Camp.

Rookie Dani Dennis-Sutton is another player who could see his workload increase, although he enters the league with questions about how much he can offer as a pass rusher. That's a lot to ask from a fourth-round pick when the team is already missing its best player at the position. The Packers don't necessarily need to panic, but they do need another option.

One possibility would be unrestricted free agent Haason Reddick, who could give Green Bay some experienced help while Parsons recovers. Reddick could also remain useful once Parsons returns, allowing the Packers to rotate their pass rushers and keep everyone fresher.