Bombarded by season-ending injuries for the second time in three years, the consensus among team sources is that the Packers suffered their most serious blow so far this season with the loss of ascending ORT Bryan Bulaga, who has been placed on injured reserve with a dislocated hip suffered in Week Nine.

That’s saying a lot, considering the loss before the season of ILB Desmond Bishop (hamstring), who was considered the defense’s emotional centerpiece with his fierce physical presence and excellent playmaking ability. But Bulaga appeared to have a lot going for him, having developed into one of the league’s best young right tackles with his outstanding feet, natural nasty streak and rock-solid technical skills.

While both T.J. Lang, who moved over from left guard to replace Bulaga, and Evan Dietrich-Smith, who now replaces Lang at left guard, did an excellent job after Bulaga was injured against the Cardinals and are considered very capable replacements, there’s no denying the line’s cohesiveness has been hindered with new starters now at two positions.