Packers Waive Jarveon Howard with Injury Settlement
On August 29, 2024, the Green Bay Packers officially waived running back Jarveon Howard from injured reserve with an injury settlement, as reported by Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston. Howard, an undrafted free agent out of Alcorn State, initially joined the Packers in May and was competing for a depth spot in the team’s backfield during training camp.
Howard was waived on August 20 with an undisclosed injury designation and subsequently reverted to the Packers’ injured reserve list. With the injury settlement, Howard is now free to sign with another team once he is fully recovered, where he will likely seek a spot on a practice squad.
The injury settlement allows both the Packers and Howard to move forward, with the young running back now able to pursue opportunities with other teams as he works toward getting healthy.
Jani Hakanpää’s injury status, particularly concerning his knee, has been a focal point since his 2023-24 season with the Dallas Stars was cut short due to an arthroscopic procedure in March 2024. His health was a significant concern during the offseason, leading the Toronto Maple Leafs to reduce the originally reported two-year deal to a one-year contract.
As of his signing in September 2024, there hasn’t been a specific update on whether Hakanpää is fully recovered, but the fact that Toronto finalized the deal suggests the team is confident he will be able to contribute during the season. However, his knee injury remains something to monitor, and it may impact how much he plays early in the season, especially as he adjusts to the physical demands of regular NHL action again.
His ability to remain healthy will be crucial for both his performance and the Maple Leafs’ defensive setup this year.
If Jani Hakanpää is unable to play or is limited due to his knee injury, the Toronto Maple Leafs have several defensive options to step up in his place. These include:
1. **Timothy Liljegren**: A younger defenseman with offensive upside, Liljegren could see more ice time, particularly at 5-on-5, if Hakanpää is unavailable. His skating and puck-moving abilities make him a strong candidate for increased responsibility.
2. **Mark Giordano**: The veteran defenseman brings experience and stability. While Giordano isn’t as physically imposing as Hakanpää, his leadership and defensive reliability could help fill the gap, especially on the penalty kill.
3. **Connor Timmins**: Another potential replacement, Timmins has a solid defensive game and could be slotted into the lineup depending on how the coaching staff balances defensive pairings.
4. **Chris Tanev**: Signed earlier in the offseason, Tanev is a physical, stay-at-home defenseman like Hakanpää. Tanev could play a similar role in shutting down opponents and providing a physical presence on the penalty kill.
The Maple Leafs will likely use a combination of these players to cover for Hakanpää if he’s unable to play, ensuring their defense remains solid despite his absence.