This week’s drinking game is going to take a different turn. This week I will be pouring one out for Nick Collins, who was placed on IR this week. I’m really glad I didn’t have this segment last year, that would have been a lot of wasted booze, and I’m really hoping that the Football Gods will smile upon us this year so that the pouring one out theme does not become regular.

But I digress; Nick Collins becomes the Packers first IR victim this year in a freak and awful play when his helmet hit Jonathan Stewart’s leg. Jonathan Stewart, I hope you have a fun bruise where that helmet hit at least.

The Packers secondary is thin, and the pieces that are here are shaky – and not as in Smithson. Someone on the live blog called it the Swiss cheese defense, (I really like appropriate references to cheese) and let’s face it, that person is right. The Packers have allowed the third most yards per game at 476! And are 8^th in most points allowed. Now, I know, “we’re only two games into the season” (I’m quoting my inner voice now), but I for one would be a lot less worried if the defense seemed to be trending up. Instead we have Tramon Williams just shy of playing, but nonetheless, not playing. And now we are without Nick Collins.

Last season (regular and post), Collins recorded 69 solo tackles, defended 18 passes and caught 5 interceptions, while being named to his third consecutive Pro Bowl. He’s a valuable player, and staple of a strong secondary that currently looks worn out.

After news of his trip to the injured reserve and while we still wait for his full prognosis, twitter was abuzz with responses. “Next man up!” returned from last year, while calls were made for Ted Thompson to reach out to a wide range of players. We still don’t know if the next man, in this case Mr. Charlie Peprah will step up, or if TT will call LeRoy Butler out of retirement. But what we do know for certain is that Nick Collins will be missed.

So, Nick. This one’s for you.