The Green Bay Packers, who are looking for ways to shore up a defense that was ranked 32nd in the NFL a year ago, face a possible major loss.

Linebacker Desmond Bishop was injured in the team’s preseason opener and coach Mike McCarthy said Bishop’s season “is in jeopardy” because of a hamstring injury that will require surgery, according to Jason Wilde of ESPN Milwaukee.

Bishop is one of the most consistent defensive players the Packers have, particularly against the run, and the prospect of having to go most or all of the season without him is daunting. The Packers will not have to make a decision on Bishop’s season right away but they do have to start considering alternatives for the defense.

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Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune