Packers Writer Claims LB Blake Martinez is Dealing With Fractured Hand

The Green Bay Packers' previously elite defense has come back down to earth in recent weeks, as they now rank in the middle of the pack in the NFL in virtually every statistical category after a world-beating showing throughout the first month or so.

Well, this news won't do anything to reassure fans' confidence in their bunch, as one of their stalwarts is fighting through a significant injury.

Packers insider Joe Kipp has reported that stud linebacker Blake Martinez, who was spotted sporting a club on his right hand, is combating a fracture in his right hand. Martinez is confident to have the club off after Green Bay's bye in Week 11.

The 2016 fourth-round pick was dealing with the injury ahead of Sunday night's tilt against the Kansas City Chiefs, but, as is his forte, Martinez played through the injury and contributed seven combined tackles.

That showing saw him retain his league lead in combined tackles with 83, an average of 10.4 per contest, through eight games.

It remains to be seen if the Stanford product will suit up for Week 9's clash versus the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, but if his willingness to grind it out in Week 8 was any indication, he'll probably be out there.

Of course, however, stay tuned for updates on Martinez's status.