It’s not the extension Packers fans were hoping for prior to camp, but it’s a key one nonetheless. Clark is fresh off a season in which he totaled a career-high 7.5 sacks and nine TFLs on his way to his third Pro Bowl. The veteran tackle has spent his entire eight-year career with the Packers and earned a PFF grade of 68.8, which ranked 33rd amongst all defensive linemen (min. 300 snaps). If the best ability is availability, then Clark is elite. He’s missed just eight regular season games in his career and just one game in the last three seasons. He will earn $29 million this season and is now under contract through 2027.

The move is purely procedural and is used as a means to create cap space for the strapped Packers. Clark's restructure created over $10.8 million in cap room for Green Bay. It's the first in a series of moves for GM Brian Gutekunst. Clark is signed through 2024 and was Pro Football Focus' No. 13 overall interior defensive lineman last season.

It is unclear if Clark is COVID positive or merely a close contact, but either way, he is unlikely to have enough time to get cleared for Sunday's game against the Ravens. Clark remains the Packers' top run defender, but the Ravens' rushing attack isn't as potent this season, and that will be especially true for Sunday if Lamar Jackson (ankle) sits. Although hardly ideal, Clark's absence will be survivable for one week. 

Clark registered one tackle and a forced fumble against the Vikings before exiting with a groin strain. Dean Lowry, who replaced Clark after the intermission, remains a stronger pass rusher than interior run-stuffer, putting Adrian Peterson and rookie D'Andre Swift into a much better matchup than initially perceived. Clark was signed to a four-year, $70 million extension in August.