On the same field where he tore his ACL a year ago, Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Rashan Gary put on a pass-rushing show and helped his team secure a signature victory in the first year of the Jordan Love era.
Gary tore his ACL on a freak play at Ford Field on Nov. 6 of last year. A year and roughly two weeks later, Gary returned to Detroit and produced three sacks of Lions quarterback Jared Goff in the Packers’ 29-22 win on Thanksgiving Day.
His first sack resulted in a fumble returned for a touchdown. His third sack forced a turnover on downs in the second half.
Gary led the way for a Packers defense that hit Goff 12 times and frequently pressured the Lions quarterback into mistakes.
Coach Matt LaFleur presented Gary, who tied a career-high with three sacks and two forced fumbles, with a game ball after the victory:
"I'm tired of crying around y'all." 😂
Rashan Gary was emotional after receiving the game ball 🥹❤️ pic.twitter.com/cAhUEunWcH
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) November 23, 2023
The Packers took down the NFC North-leading Lions on a short week and set the stage for what could be a playoff run. Green Bay has won three of the last four games and faces a manageable five-game stretch — after playing the Chiefs next Sunday — to finish the season. If Love and Gary play the way they did Thursday in Detroit, the Packers will be a tough out over the final six games.