Packers’ Walker: Returns to the field after injury and talks about his future

Quay Walker Returns to Action After Surgery and Faces New Contract with the Packers

Green Bay Packers linebacker Quay Walker has returned to full practice, which has clarified two important issues for this season: his ankle injury and his contract situation. Walker revealed that he underwent surgery in late May, shortly after the Packers decided not to exercise the fifth-year option of his rookie contract. Walker, selected with the 22nd pick in the 2022 draft, explained that he had been dealing with the ankle injury for much of last season. Although he missed the last three games of the regular season, he returned for the playoff game against the Eagles, where he re-injured his ankle.

I came back for OTAs and tried to do something, and I just knew something wasn’t right. I didn’t want it to linger during the season, so I figured the smart idea would be to get surgery during OTAs and get it fixed.

Quay Walker

General manager Brian Gutekunst was the first to mention the surgery last month, but he didn’t provide details at the time. Walker began training camp on the physically unable to perform list. Although he was activated on July 23, he did not participate in 11-on-11 drills until Tuesday. Walker stated that he has no doubt that he will be ready for the season opener against the Lions on September 7th. Although Gutekunst has expressed his desire to re-sign Walker, he was unwilling to pick up the fifth-year option that would have guaranteed Walker $14.751 million for the 2026 season.

I don’t have to prove anything; I just have to prove to myself that I’m okay. Since I was drafted, I’ve been in this situation where people may feel the opposite, but it doesn’t really concern me. Everything will sort itself out.

Quay Walker

Since he joined the league, Walker has started in 43 games and became the second Packers player to record more than 100 tackles in his first three seasons, leading the team in tackles during those three years.

We know the type of player Quay is and the level he can play at. I think there was a period last season where he played very well. He felt more comfortable within our scheme, with what we were asking him to do, and he played at a high level. It’s been a while since he played football, so he needs to get back into that. Obviously, the more reps he gets, the more comfortable I think he’ll feel and the better he’ll play.

Matt LaFleur, Packers coach