The Green Bay Packers face mounting injury challenges as they prepare for their Week 18 matchup against the Chicago Bears. Despite hopes that the team would get healthier after last week’s loss to the Minnesota Vikings, key players remain sidelined, raising concerns about the team’s depth and readiness for the postseason push.
All five players who were unavailable against the Vikings—wide receiver Christian Watson (knee), cornerback Jaire Alexander (knee), linebacker Quay Walker (ankle), safety Evan Williams (quad), and backup tackle Andre Dillard (concussion)—did not participate in Wednesday’s practice. The list of non-participants grew with the addition of defensive end Brenton Cox Jr. (foot) and safety Zayne Anderson (concussion). Anderson had started in place of Williams against Minnesota but was knocked out of the game early due to his injury.
The potential impact on the Packers’ defense is particularly concerning. If these players don’t recover in time, the second and third levels of the defense will be severely depleted. Eric Wilson would likely have to step in again as the starting middle linebacker for Walker, while rookie Javon Bullard would move from his role in the slot to a starting safety position. Bullard’s shift would leave Keisean Nixon to play inside as the nickel cornerback. At the same time, Carrington Valentine and Eric Stokes would take over as the full-time outside cornerbacks in nickel packages. Last week, the Vikings exploited the Packers’ weakened middle-of-the-field defense, which could spell trouble against the Bears without adjustments.
Photo: Getty ImagesIn more positive news, defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt, who left the Vikings game for a concussion evaluation, was back at practice as a full participant. Meanwhile, left guard Elgton Jenkins was limited, though this is a common occurrence as part of his veteran rest schedule early in the week.
Head coach Matt LaFleur reiterated the importance of playing the team’s starters against the Bears, noting that the Packers have little choice due to the sheer number of injuries.
“The right answer is whatever works, and I think you’ve got to have a philosophy on what works best for you. We were in a similar situation a few years back where we played the guys a half, and lost in the second half, and then we had the bye and we lost in the playoffs. The right answer is whatever works, is really what I’ll tell you. I know you’re subject to criticism, and if it goes great that was the right way to do it, and if it doesn’t go the way you want it to, you learn from every experience.”
Green Bay Packers Injury Report
Green Bay’s Wednesday practice report follows below.
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