When you think of the Green Bay Packers’ defense, one name that always comes to mind is Kenny Clark. The defensive tackle has been a rock on the interior line for nearly a decade—steady, reliable, and dominant when healthy.
But even the most dependable players have their moments of struggle.
Earlier this week, Clark revealed something that many fans didn’t fully realize: he played the entire 2024 season with a nagging foot injury—one that still hasn’t fully healed.
In an interview with ESPN’s Rob Demovsky, Clark confirmed he had surgery in January to repair a right foot issue originally suffered in Week 1 during Green Bay’s game in Brazil against the Eagles.
He gutted out the rest of the year, making 37 tackles and playing every single game. But it wasn’t easy.
“It was a tough year for me,” Clark admitted. “I’m excited. I’m back out practicing, back doing [individual drills].”
That excitement is real—but so is the fact that Clark isn’t quite back to full strength yet.
Playing Through Pain Is Nothing New
Clark has always been known for his toughness. Drafted 27th overall in 2016, he’s spent his entire nine-year career in Green Bay, earning three Pro Bowl selections and racking up 35.0 career sacks.
At 6-foot-3 and 314 pounds, he’s the kind of player who absorbs double teams, frees up linebackers, and disrupts opposing offenses at the line of scrimmage.
But being big and powerful also means injuries can linger longer—especially when they involve feet or toes.
Despite missing just one game in 2024, Clark was listed on the injury report all season with a toe issue. Now we know why: it was more serious than many realized.
Recovery Is Ongoing
As of now, Clark says he’s moving forward with his rehab and is back on the field for individual drills during OTAs.
It’s a positive sign, but not a full return.
He described this early stage as a process—building strength, regaining rhythm, and slowly ramping up workload. At 29 years old, he’s got time before the regular season starts, but the hope is that by the time training camp rolls around, he’ll be ready to go full throttle.
Still, any setback at this stage could ripple into how much work he gets under new head coach Jeff Hafley and defensive coordinator Joe Barry.
Why This Matters for the Packers Defense
Clark isn’t just another starter—he’s the anchor.
His presence dictates how offenses line up and what plays they choose to run. Without him at full strength, the Packers’ front seven loses some of its teeth.
With key defenders like Jaire Alexander and Rashan Gary also coming off injuries, having Clark fully healthy is critical to stabilizing a defense that struggled at times last year.
If he’s not 100% come September, it could impact how the team approaches depth, rotation, and even potential midseason additions.
Final Thought: Grit Over Glamour
Kenny Clark doesn’t make headlines like flashier stars. He doesn’t chase camera time or locker room soundbites. What he does is show up—week after week, year after year—and do the dirty work in the trenches.
And even when hurt, he finds a way to play.
This latest setback might slow him down for a bit, but if history tells us anything, it’s that Clark will find a way to push through.
For Packers fans, that’s good news.
Because when Kenny Clark is on the field? The defense follows his lead.
