Not unexpected. He spends a lot of time on the sideline hurt. He's best as a 6th lineman, not as a starter. There are 3 guys to fill his shoes (Ashworth, Spencer and Rookie Sims) so not to worry too much. The main problem is finding harmony between the five OLs. The loss of Hutch is proving to be more than I expected, but not by a lot. Considering that Alexander looks like the Shaun the Crumpler of a few seasons ago and can't get anything going on the right or left side, it seems like a teamwide problem.
It's not panic mode yet, but it looks like the D is going to have to stay strong this season until the offense gets it together. Dropsies have resurfaced. Hass is getting frustrated by it, his numbers would be far better so far with more diligence on the WR's part. Expect Branch to solve that problem. If the Holmgren era has taught me anything, it's patience. I expect to lose one of the next 2 games (NYG, CHI). If we lose both or lose anymore OLs or TEs, THEN it's time to worry. I expect things to pick up with Branch the way the offense got a lift just by having Rice in the lockerroom with them.
Bottom line, no Pork Chop=no more problems than they already have. We have 2 very good youngsters and a 3 time SB champion* ready to step in there.
* I think he was Fraud Monitoring but I haven't seen the commercial for a long time.