Key Packers defender questionable to return to playoff game

Green Bay Packers safety Darnell Savage is questionable to return to Saturday’s divisional round playoff game against the 49ers. Savage left the game with a back injury.

The third-year pro has started every game for the Packers this season, recording 63 tackles, two interceptions and nine passes defended. He had not recorded any stats Saturday prior to his exit.

Savage was selected in the first round of the 2019 NFL draft out of Maryland. He immediately made an impact, taking on a starting role for his first NFL game. The following year in 2020, the safety finished with four interceptions and 12 passes defended, both career bests.

The Packers, who earned the top seed in the NFC, are playing for a trip to the conference championship game next week. They have lost in the NFC Championship in each of the past two seasons. Green Bay is also in search of its first Super Bowl appearance since the 2010 season.

It was a low-scoring game at the end of the third quarter, with the Packers clinging to a 7-3 lead. Savage and the Green Bay secondary have done a nice job keeping quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo in check. Entering the fourth quarter, he had thrown for less than 100 yards and also had an interception.

Green Bay and San Francisco have already met once previously this year in Week 3. That game came down to the final moments with the Packers claiming a 30-28 victory on a game-winning kick. If the score late in the fourth of this Packers playoff game is any indication, we could be in for another exciting finish.

The status of Savage will be important to watch as the game gets closer to the end. If he can’t make a return, it could be up to the defense to deliver a big stop without one of its best.