Green Bay Packers will be without Davante Adams for the game against the Dallas Cowboys. Adams will miss the game due to a turf toe injury. The status going forward for the star wide receiver is unknown. Turf toe is a funny injury. Sometimes, it can one that lingers for weeks and weeks. Other times, it is a one or two-week serious injury then you’re back playing. Packers will need to figure out a way to move the ball through the air without Adams. This is one of the first true tests of Matt LaFleur’s young coaching career.

One of the issues with Mike McCarthy through the years is he never adjusted his offense to fit injuries. McCarthy still wanted young, ripe receivers to run routes that were built for veterans. LaFleur will need to simplify his playbook and find easy opportunities for the young Packers receiving core. McCarthy would still have long-developing plays and that could make it hard for the young receivers. LaFleur, Nathanial Hackett, Luke Getsy, and Rodgers should all be working on plays that do not require much thinking and will be effective against Dallas’ defense.

There are not many good things about Adams being out. But there is one. Geronimo Allison will go back to the outside. He is a better outside receiver than he is a slot receiver. That is something LaFleur is set to learn on Sunday. Packers will utilize Darrius Shepherd and Jake Kumerow in the slot this week. Watch for both of those guys as potential breakout days on Sunday. Packers also got the tight end involved last week and think that will be a major focus again this week. New Orleans utilized their tight ends versus Dallas even though they’re pretty tough against them.

Adams’ injury is unfortunate because he’s off to such a good start to the season. Hopefully, it is not a long-term thing for him.

Charlie.