Bulaga

[Travbrew]

Thing is...Clifton ISN'T healthy, and really hasn't been for awhile. He's barely getting by, and he can't make it through a 16 game schedule anymore. There is no doubt in my mind that Bulaga will be starting by the end of the season. Clifton will hardly be able to stand up by December.

All good things must come to an end.

[The Leaper]

All good things must come to an end.

He had a hell of a career in Green Bay...next stop, Packer HOF.

[RashanGary]

I would classify Clifton's situation as being similar to Favre's. Favre has little to no cartilage left in his ankle. Clifton is probably looking at something similar with his knee.

It's going to get worse only to get worse. Every time he uses it, it's going to hurt.

I'd say the best way to use Clifton this year is as a backup. He can keep himself as strong as possible without overusing the knee and if he's needed, he can just grind it out (literally).

Hopefully Bulaga can step in, stay healthy and play well. I don't see Clifton getting better but I do think he could grind this out. It's just some bone on bone friction. He's not going to keel over, but it's going to hurt.

[Pugger]

Lord, did we get lucky to have Bulaga still sitting there in NY on draft day! Thanks Ted!

[Cheesehead Craig]

Lord, did we get lucky to have Bulaga still sitting there in NY on draft day! Thanks Ted!

So far the pick is looking to be a good one. Granted we have a very small sample size but given we didn't hear his name being called as being beaten for a sack, that's a good start.

[mraynrand]

Lord, did we get lucky to have Bulaga still sitting there in NY on draft day! Thanks Ted!

You have to do it proper, like your wearing it mockingly on a jersey!

THANKSTED

[pbmax]

I would classify Clifton's situation as being similar to Favre's. Favre has little to no cartilage left in his ankle. Clifton is probably looking at something similar with his knee.

It's going to get worse only to get worse. Every time he uses it, it's going to hurt.

I'd say the best way to use Clifton this year is as a backup. He can keep himself as strong as possible without overusing the knee and if he's needed, he can just grind it out (literally).

Hopefully Bulaga can step in, stay healthy and play well. I don't see Clifton getting better but I do think he could grind this out. It's just some bone on bone friction. He's not going to keel over, but it's going to hurt.

I think Favre's problem has been bone chips and spurs. Often these are caused by ligaments pulling away from the bone, as in a severe sprain. Andrews said he expected another to form after he removed one during the offseason surgery (according to Brett). Slightly different that cartilage being frayed or removed. Though its possible he has had that work done too.

[Pugger]

Lord, did we get lucky to have Bulaga still sitting there in NY on draft day! Thanks Ted!

You have to do it proper, like your wearing it mockingly on a jersey!

THANKSTED

[mraynrand]

It's starting to look like 'Ole Kenny Ruettgers in late '95. Man that guy gutted it out, but was only able to go one game in '96. At some point the knee just says 'no more.'


From a Cleft Crusty exclusive interview with Chad Clifton's knee:

[imscott72]

Thing is...Clifton ISN'T healthy, and really hasn't been for awhile. He's barely getting by, and he can't make it through a 16 game schedule anymore. There is no doubt in my mind that Bulaga will be starting by the end of the season. Clifton will hardly be able to stand up by December.

All good things must come to an end.

Yea I feel bad for Cliffy. He's been so steady for us for so long, but it's time to slowly make the change. It happens to everyone eventually.

[packerbacker1234]

Clifton did have a poor game and Bulaga played well, but lets not jump the gun here.

Clifton has A LOT of experience, and as we face teams that are significantly better than the bills (guys, the bills suck, if you couldn't tell) on defense, bulaga will most likely have growing pains. You thought Jared Allen had a field day last year? Imagine how badly he could abuse a rookie. I liked what I saw, but until he gets a chance against a real defensive line, I wont go off and say he should be in there.

Clifton's knee bothered him, but it didn't in week one. He will be alright, I think the packers are just comfortable, depending on the situation, to stick bulaga in. That doesn't mean he starts. Rotation? Maybe, but if the game is on the line and we need one last drive, my money is clifton gets the call.

[Freak Out]

I think he might be our LT next week.

Trial by fire....MNF at Soldier Field. The Bear D can still bring it.

[Guiness]

I think he might be our LT next week.

Agreed. At worst I think he rotates some with Clifton.

I didn't think Cliffy look very good today. This could be permanent.

I don't think one bad game means permanent. I think one bad game means we see more of Bulaga next week.

But why did Cliffy not look good? I didn't think he practiced much this week. You have to wonder if he's able to go at all any more. If MM/OL coach don't feel he can play an entire game, I bet they make the switch sooner rather than later. You don't platoon at LT.

Crabtree, if he's as good a blocker as they say, may start seeing more of the field if they feel they need to have him in there to help Bulaga out as he grows into the role. Certainly when Jared is in town.

[NewsBruin]

What was Bulaga's injury at the end of training camp?

[Joemailman]

Bulaga had a hip flexor injury.