NFL teams
Rob Demovsky, ESPN Staff Writer 9y

T.J. Lang avoids ankle surgery

NFL, Green Bay Packers

GREEN BAY, Wis. -- T.J. Lang avoided any major structural damage to his injured left ankle, and the Green Bay Packers' starting right guard will not need surgery, according to a source.

However, the Packers won't know until next week whether he will be available for their post-bye game against the Chicago Bears on Nov. 9.

"Not sure about a timetable yet," the source said.

The injury was diagnosed as a sprain. Lang was injured at the end of the first series in Sunday's 44-23 loss at the New Orleans Saints. He appeared to land awkwardly while blocking an extra point. He played just five snaps on offense and the lone special teams snap.

He left the Superdome in a walking boot and did not speak to reporters. However, he tweeted a message earlier this week.

Second-year pro Lane Taylor finished the game in Lang's spot. However, if Lang can't play against the Bears, the Packers may opt to use JC Tretter at right guard instead of Taylor.

Tretter, who was slated to be the starting center this season, is eligible to come off the injured reserve/designated to return list this week. Given how well rookie Corey Linsley has played in Tretter's spot, it's unlikely the Packers will go back to Tretter at center.

The Packers are monitoring several other injuries during their bye week. They were without three defensive starters -- safety Morgan Burnett (calf), cornerback Sam Shields (knee) and defensive end Datone Jones (ankle) -- against the Saints.

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