Packers: Undrafted rookie Don Barclay holds his own

When converted right tackle T.J. Lang hurt his ankle in the second quarter Sunday and had to leave the game against the Vikings, forcing undrafted rookie Don Barclay onto the big stage, it could have spelled doom. Instead, Barclay handled himself better than just about anyone could have expected in the 23-14 win.

By James Carlton

Dec 5, 2012 at 1:20 am ET • 2 min read

Undrafted rookie RT Don Barclay was better than expected Sunday against the Vikings. (US Presswire)

It could have been a catastrophe for the Packers. QB Aaron Rodgers could have endured a long, hard, painful day.

When converted right tackle T.J. Lang hurt his ankle in the second quarter and had to leave the game against the Vikings, forcing undrafted rookie Don Barclay onto the big stage, it could’ve spelled doom. Instead, Barclay handled himself better than just about anyone could have expected in the 23-14 win over Minnesota. He was solid as a run blocker and, save for a couple of hairy moments, and he was all right in pass protection.

"Don Barclay, I thought he did a nice job," coach Mike McCarthy said. "It's pretty much what I thought (Sunday night) when I left here. He went into the game, we tried to protect him a little bit there in the two-minute drive. Then really at halftime we made some protection adjustments -- not really adjustments -- which way we were going to lean on in the second half.

"I thought in the run game he was physical, that’s a trait that we really like in Don. I thought the pass protection, a lot of his things were technical. I thought he did a solid job. When a rookie comes in for his first time in game action and you’re able to keep playing throughout your game plan, I think that’s a big credit to him."

If Lang, who shifted over from left guard after Bryan Bulaga (hip) went on injured reserve, can’t play Sunday against the Lions, the Packers would have some personnel decisions to make. Do they start Barclay, with Evan Dietrich-Smith continuing to fill in at left guard? Do they sign another offensive linemen? And what if Lang can play? Do they put him back at left guard and let Barclay play again at right tackle?

"Obviously you’re always evaluating every position," McCarthy said. "And in Don’s case, we are looking at him at right tackle. I don’t really know what T.J.’s case is going to be. That’s one of the individuals where we’re still gathering information."

We’ll find out soon how the Packers plan to protect their reigning-MVP quarterback.

Follow Packers reporter James Carlton on Twitter @CBSPackers.