Erik

Walden

Zombo had an X-ray of his fractured shoulder blade on Thursday. “I feel 100 percent, I feel great,” said Zombo, “and so basically once they take a look at that, they’ll determine when I can get back.” Erik Walden is Pro Football Focus’ 27th-ranked outside linebacker through three weeks, so Zombo could regain his starting job in a few weeks.

The initial diagnosis was a knee hyperextension, usually a 2-4 week injury. Erik Walden will continue to start at right outside linebacker after rotating with Zombo against the Rams. Walden has just one sack through six games.

Don’t expect him back in Green Bay after a disappointing season. Brad Jones and Jamari Lattimore, a free agent from Middle Tennessee State, are expected to see expanded roles, including time at inside linebacker. Coach Mike McCarthy confirmed that the Packers plan to add at least one outside linebacker this offseason.

Walden hasn’t made any visits since the start of free agency, and is unlikely to return to a Packers team that reportedly grew “disenchanted” with him in 2011. His playing time dwindled following his November arrest for domestic assault. Walden graded out as one of the worst outside linebackers in the league by Pro Football Focus last season. The Cowboys are one of the teams interested.

Walden, 27 in August, racked up 60 tackles, three sacks, and a forced fumble in 16 appearances with 15 starts last season. The Packers want to do better at the position opposite Clay Matthews, however, and Walden would ideally return only as a backup and special teamer. He’s not starting material.

“You always hope that through competition that guy will surface,” DC Dom Capers said. “Nick will come in, and we’ll throw him right into the competition and give him a chance to go out and show us what he can do.” Perry should have the advantage over Erik Walden, Brad Jones, and Frank Zombo.

Walden spent last weekend in jail after allegedly assaulting his girlfriend. The NFL has announced no discipline and the Packers confirmed any in-house punishment won’t affect his status for the game. Walden has started every game at right outside linebacker this season, compiling 41 tackles and three sacks.

Dom Capers got no backfield penetration from the right end rotation of Howard Green, C.J. Wilson, Jarius Wynn, and Mike Neal or the right outside linebacker rotation of Erik Walden, Frank Zombo, and Brad Jones. Green and Walden will likely be allowed to walk as free agents. Safety and cornerback are also areas of need.

Walden was initially arrested on a felony charge, but it was later downgraded to a misdemeanor. The arrest is going to sink his free agent value, not that he had much. A ‘tweener type best suited to play on special teams, Walden managed just three sacks in 15 starts despite seeing single blocks through 2011. Outside linebacker is Green Bay’s biggest need area this offseason.

Walden kept biting to the inside, leaving the edge open for screens and reverses. He was pulled in the fourth quarter. “My alignment and my technique was poor and it came back to bite me at the end,” Walden said. He’s started all 14 games for the Packers this season, recording 53 tackles and three sacks.