Packers lose DT Javon Hargrave to season-ending torn Achilles

Green Bay Packers defensive tackle Javon Hargrave suffered a season-ending torn Achilles in the final minutes of Sunday's 31-7 victory over the Chicago Bears, with medical tests on Monday confirming the injury, according to ESPN reporting.

Hargrave, 33 years old, was injured at the end of a pass-rush move. He came up hopping and could not put weight on his right leg, then was carted off. The injury marks the second season-ending torn Achilles for the Packers in consecutive weeks. Linebacker Edgerrin Cooper suffered the same fate a week earlier.

Hargrave signed a two-year, $23 million free-agent contract with Green Bay this offseason, which included a $10.5 million signing bonus. He played in four of the team's first five games this season, missing Week 2 against New York because of a knee injury and a concussion. In his time on the field, Hargrave did not start any of those games, played 123 defensive snaps, and was credited with four tackles.

Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said after the game, per ESPN: "Obviously, really excited for our team and winning the game, but I just saw Hargrave and it doesn't look good. That kind of takes the air out of the room a little bit when you lose such a, just not only a great player but a great guy, a key piece to this team, and it kind of puts a little bit of a cloud on the day."

The Packers roster six defensive tackles, including Hargrave. Warren Brinson is on injured reserve because of calf and groin injuries. Jordon Riley is on the physically unable to perform list because of an Achilles tear he sustained last season. One or both of Brinson and Riley might return this season, per ESPN reporting, though no timeline has been announced.

The loss of Hargrave removes a veteran rotation presence and forces the team to rely more heavily on younger or less-experienced depth at the position. The defensive line will need to adjust its rotation and pass-rush assignments for the remainder of the season.