Green Bay Packers defensive tackle Javon Hargrave suffered a scary non-contact injury with under two minutes remaining in the game after chasing Chicago Bears quarterback Case Keenum. Hargrave was carted off the field and into the locker room for further evaluation. During the postgame press conference, Matt LaFleur shared that the two-time Pro Bowler’s injury didn’t look good, with early indications that he suffered a season-ending Achilles injury.
The Green Bay Packers confirm career-altering news for the 2x-Pro Bowler
Oct 23, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Javon Hargrave (97) gets pressure on Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
According to Ian Rapoport, Javon Hargrave suffered a season-ending Achilles tear and will soon undergo surgery. This could be a career-altering injury for Hargrave, given how difficult it is for a 33-year-old player to recover from an Achilles injury. The Packers must rely on Devonte Wyatt and Karl Brooks to carry the load, with rookie third-round pick Chris McClellan stepping into an expanded role. Additionally, Anthony Campbell could see his number called once healthy, with Warren Brinson on injured reserve and Jordon Riley still on the PUP list.
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From @GMFB: #Packers DL Javon Hargrave suffered a torn Achilles, while the #Bears could get QB Caleb Williams back this Sunday after his pre-game workout. https://t.co/AZQU6Ow4sP
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 12, 2026
This likely spells the end of Hargrave’s future in Green Bay, given his $15.25 million cap charge for next season. With a standard release, the Packers would clear $10 million in cap space while incurring $5.25 million in dead cap, per Over The Cap. The team essentially paid Hargrave $13 million for four games.
Should Hargrave have played?
Aug 28, 2026; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur following the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Many fans have questioned the Packers for playing 33-year-old Javon Hargrave with under two minutes remaining, but a few caveats are worth considering. The Bears were trying to score points despite being down 24, and a potential comeback seems almost impossible; instead, they could have run out the clock. Another consideration is that Hargrave is a backup, with only five defensive tackles active, and playing starters Devonte Wyatt or Karl Brooks would also cause an uproar if they got hurt. Lastly, it would be unrealistic to expect Jonathan Ford, who primarily plays on early running downs as a nose tackle, to play on obvious passing downs.
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