NFL Player Profile: Marshall Newhouse

Last Sunday suffered another injury to a starter with Bryan Bulaga leaving the game with a bruised knee. You could hear all of Packer Nation let out a collective gasp when Bulaga pounded his fist in disappointment. Fans asked each other who would go in and replace Bulaga. Would it be first round pick Derrick Sherrod? Nope, he was inactive for the Bears game just like he was for the first two games. Many believe it is taking Sherrod more time to adjust to the pro game because of the lack of off-season work due to the NFL Lockout. They only other person on the depth chart was Marshall Newhouse. Newhouse, a second year pro out of TCU, was inactive for the first 14 games last season and injured his back on December 22 and was placed on Injured Reserve. He came into this year as just another name in a crowded line of offensive linemen. He battled in training camp and the coaches were high on his effort and picture perfect technique. When Bulaga went down, Newhouse grabbed his helmet and the offense didn’t miss a beat the rest of the game.

For most of the game Newhouse went up against Israel Idonije most of the time and held his own well. We all thought that as soon as Newhouse went in the Bears would move Julius Peppers over and line him up on the second year pro all game but that rarely happened. Newhouse at times looked like a seasoned veteran moving Idonije and Peppers when he was lined up against him. The communication was great and he, with Josh Sitton, opened massive holes and cut back lanes for Ryan Grant. Newhouse was humble after the game and gave attention to the reps in practice and being comfortable at his position for his success against the Bears. "Any D-line in this league is good," Newhouse said. "They're going to test you. But luckily I got a lot of reps at tackle and felt like I was prepared mentally. It gave me a chance to just play football and be athletic. Just be sound and play." Newhouse continues to take snaps with the first team offense while Bryan Bulaga rests his bruised knee.

Bulaga stated yesterday that he would be ready to play but Coach McCarthy said today that he and Ryan Grant would, “be challenged to play on Sunday”. If Bulaga is not ready to go on Sunday then Newhouse will be prepared and ready to play and play at a high level. This team is starting to take the same approach as last year’s team. The next man up will go in, and no matter if it is offense, defense or special teams, and not miss a beat.