The Packers already had their hands full trying to slow down the Bills’ potent offense Sunday night. Things didn’t get any easier for Green Bay during the first half.
Rookie linebacker Quay Walker was ejected in the second quarter after shoving someone from the Bills after landing on Buffalo’s sideline. Walker had tackled running back James Cook following a 7-yard rush.
A look at the incident:
— highlight heaven (@lowlightheaven) October 31, 2022
Walker, a 2022 first-round draft pick out of Georgia, has become a major part of the Green Bay defense. He has started seven of the team’s eight games and is second in combined tackles (52), solo tackles (32) and assisted tackles (20). He also has a tackle for a loss, two QB hits, a forced fumble and two passes defended. Pro Football Focus has given him a grade of 49.1 this season.
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Here’s what led to Walker’s ejection.
Why was Quay Walker ejected?
Walker had chased Cook, his collegiate teammate at Georgia, out of bounds, and as the two players were rolling toward the sideline, a member of the Bills’ contingent reached out and put his hands on Walker’s left arm as he was getting up.
The gesture appeared to be intended to help Walker up, but the linebacker responded by shoving the person back. An official came over and penalized Walker for unsportsmanlike conduct. After a review from the league office in New York, it was determined that Walker should be ejected.
Quay Walker was ejected for this interaction with the Bills sideline…thoughts? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/PLsH6vqqg1
— OddsChecker (@OddsCheckerUS) October 31, 2022
When Walker reached the sideline, Packers coach Matt LaFleur appeared to tell the rookie that it is “always the second guy.”
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According to the NFL, unsportsmanlike conduct penalties are 15 yards and can include an ejection in certain cases. NFL officials can request a review to determine if a player’s actions merit an ejection.
That might not be all for Walker. He will almost certainly be fined by the league for his unsportsmanlike penalty, and the amount could increase depending on a league review of the ejection.
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