Packers’ Kenny Clark injury ⁣Blamed on Brazil Game Turf

Updated June 4, 2025

Green Bay Packers defensive tackle Kenny ‍Clark believes the turf in São Paulo, Brazil, contributed to ⁤a foot injury that required surgery. Clark revealed Tuesday that he had ⁣surgery in⁢ January to repair damage to his right‍ foot, which he says began during the Packers’ game ⁤against the Philadelphia Eagles last season.

Despite playing all 17 regular-season games and a playoff game, the toe injury, sustained early ⁤in the Brazil contest, lingered throughout the season. Clark was ⁢frequently listed on the injury report.

Clark explained that ‍his foot got ⁢stuck in the turf, a problem several players experienced during the game ‍in Arena Corinthians. He dealt ‍with⁤ a bunion and bone spurs consequently.

⁣ “It was really just the turf out there,” clark said. “Like the turf pretty much, yeah.”
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When⁤ questioned about whether the soccer stadium’s field ⁢conditions caused the⁢ injury, Clark declined to elaborate, joking about potential backlash.

Last September,Clark described the field as “trash” with “clay coming out‍ of the ground” and “holes.” His performance dipped, recording his lowest tackle total since his‍ rookie year and only one sack after 15.5 sacks in the prior three seasons. He recently resumed individual drills during OTAs after offseason rehab.

‍ “It was a tough ⁤year for me,” Clark said. “I had surgery on my foot in January, so yeah, it ‍was a tough year. But I’m excited.I’m back out practicing, back doing [individual drills], so today was my second day doing indy with the team, and just have to keep building forward.”

The Packers-Eagles game marked the NFL’s debut⁢ in Brazil. The Los Angeles Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs are scheduled to play there Sept. 5.

In‍ other news, cornerback Keisean Nixon has softened his stance ⁤on returning kickoffs. he now says he is open to the idea, despite expressing ‍reluctance ⁣after the ‍playoff loss to ‍the Eagles. Nixon, an All-Pro returner, initially said he was “kind of through with” the role, prioritizing his cornerback position.

⁢ ⁣ “Of course,I’m open to it,” Nixon said. “I’m always going to do what the team needs.”

Nixon acknowledged his earlier comments, stating, “That’s a comment I probably could have kept to myself, for sure, but it is what it is. I meant what I said, but I’m also a⁤ team player. And ‍if the coach and the team need me⁤ to do something, I’m going ⁤to do it, for sure.”

What’s next

Clark aims to regain his Pro Bowl form after recovering from surgery, while Nixon could ⁤resume kickoff duties for the Packers this season.