Training camp of the Green Bay Packers might see the absence of safety player Xavier McKinney due to a calf injury, potentially sidelining him for the entire duration.
Green Bay Packers' All-Pro Safety Xavier McKinney on Track for Week 1 Return
After missing the entire preseason due to a calf injury, Green Bay Packers' All-Pro safety Xavier McKinney is expected to be ready for the team's Week 1 regular-season game on September 7, 2025.
McKinney, who joined the Packers last season, had a breakout year in 2024, earning Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro honors. During the season, he recorded eight interceptions, 11 pass breakups, 88 tackles, and one sack.
The calf injury, which McKinney stated he caught at an early stage, has been lingering over time. He sat out training camp on Thursday and did not participate in practice, but he expressed that he is taking his recovery slowly. McKinney, however, is optimistic about his progress and stated that he would be ready when it’s time to go for the regular season opener against the Detroit Lions.
Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst confirmed McKinney's timely recovery, stating that the safety is "absolutely" expected to be ready for Week 1. McKinney's absence from training camp is not expected to affect his readiness for the regular season, as he was a practice participant on Wednesday.
Prior to joining the Packers, McKinney spent the first four seasons of his pro career with the New York Giants. His impressive performance in Green Bay's 2024 season has made his timely recovery important for the team’s defense.
Despite missing the preseason games, McKinney's only concern is his calf injury. He stated that he is taking his recovery slowly to ensure he is fully fit for the regular season. The Packers' defense will be eagerly waiting for McKinney's return, as his skills and experience will undoubtedly boost their performance.
[1] Green Bay Packers' Xavier McKinney to miss preseason due to calf injury
[2] Green Bay Packers' Xavier McKinney on track for Week 1 return
[3] Green Bay Packers' Xavier McKinney: Calf injury sidelines him through preseason
[4] Xavier McKinney: "I'll be ready when it's time to go" for Week 1
- Injury forced Green Bay Packers' safety Xavier McKinney to sit out the entire preseason, but he is expected to return for the Week 1 NFL game.
- McKinney, an All-Pro safety, had a standout season with the Packers in 2024, earning Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro honors in American football.
- The Packers' defense is eagerly anticipating the return of Xavier McKinney, who recorded eight interceptions, 11 pass breakups, 88 tackles, and one sack in the 2024 season.
- Despite being sidelined by a calf injury, McKinney is optimistic about his recovery and has assured the Packers that he will be ready for all NFL regular-season games, including the Week 1 match against the Detroit Lions.
