No question about it – the Packers’ new defensive tackle Grady Jackson is a
big man. The question Green Bay GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman had to ask before
signing Jackson this week was if the big lineman could put his problems behind
him before heading north.
Jackson, 6-2, 370 pounds, reportedly was fined repeatedly by the Saints for
various violations, including being overweight, according to an AP report. New
Orleans also handed Jackson a one-game suspension for breaking an unspecified
team rule. The seventh-year lineman had just served his suspension before the
Saints placed him on waivers Tuesday.
Will the Packers recognize Jackson, who was 30 pounds lighter the last time
they saw him – harassing the Packers offensive line in the Saints’ 35-20 win
over GB last season? They had to wait to find out because Jackson did not arrive
in Green Bay on time for practice or meetings Wednesday, his first official day
with the team.
Sherman placed the responsibility on the player, rather than on the
reputation.
“I don’t have any assurances other than the man himself coming in here and
doing it the way we want it done,” Sherman said. “He’s going to be held
accountable.”
Jackson, who comes to Green Bay after five years with Oakland followed by a
season and a half in New Orleans, also will have to be accountable for filling
the gap left by a slew of injuries to the defensive line. Rod Walker was the
latest casualty, requiring both knee and shoulder surgery. Walker joins fellow
linemen rookie James Lee and veteran Joe Johnson on the injured list.
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Defensive tackle Gilbert Brown spoke to reporters about the possibility of
coach Mike Sherman using both Brown and 6-2, 370-pound Grady Jackson on the
defensive line at the same time:
“That would probably be good,” Brown said. “Two big ol’ dudes in there like
that. I know I’m cuter, though. That’s all I can tell you.”