Injury Concerns Loom Over Packers Ahead of Bears Clash
Green Bay, Wis. – As the Green Bay Packers gear up for their crucial NFC North showdown against the Chicago Bears on Saturday night, they are facing a significant hurdle. Five key players were absent from Thursday’s practice, the team’s final preparation before the highly anticipated matchup.
Key Absences Impacting Team Dynamics
Running back Josh Jacobs (knee), right tackle Zach Tom (knee), safety Evan Williams (knee), and tight end Josh Whyle (concussion) have not participated in practice all week. Defensive end Kingsley Enagbare, whose role has become increasingly vital following Micah Parsons’ devastating torn ACL, was also missing from the Don Hutson Center despite not being listed on the injury report as of Wednesday.
In contrast, receiver Christian Watson (shoulder/chest) managed to practice for a second consecutive day, while fellow wideout Jayden Reed returned after a personal absence on Wednesday.
Jacobs and Tom’s Status Uncertain
The absence of Jacobs, a standout running back, and Tom, the team’s primary right tackle, raises concerns about their readiness for the game. “It means we’ll give them up till gametime,” said head coach Matt LaFleur before practice. Jacobs has been battling through a knee injury, and indications suggest he might still take the field. However, Tom’s status appears more precarious. “Still pretty sore, so we’re just trying to work through that so I can be out there,” Tom remarked following Wednesday’s practice.
Watson’s resilience is notable; he sustained shoulder and chest injuries during a pivotal interception against Denver, even requiring hospitalization to assess potential rib damage. Given the short turnaround, his ability to practice is commendable. “I was able to get through a decent amount of stuff today, so I feel like I’m in a really good spot for where I’m at only three days later,” he expressed after Wednesday’s session. LaFleur expressed optimism based on Watson’s progress, emphasizing, “Ultimately, it’s going to come down to, obviously, medical decision but where he’s at on Saturday.”
Williams and Whyle’s Road to Recovery
Williams, dealing with a sprained MCL, has been taking a cautious approach this week. “I’m taking it slow to not make matters worse,” he said, acknowledging the importance of getting practice reps. His absence from practice suggests he is unlikely to play, aligning with prior expectations. Williams suffered his injury on the same play that sidelined Parsons, a moment he vividly recalls. “I’m like, ‘Oh my God. I know something happened,’” he reflected, watching the chaos unfold around Parsons.
Whyle, who suffered a concussion during the opening series against Denver, has also missed the entire week of practice. His absence could force the Packers to call up a practice squad tight end to support Luke Musgrave and John FitzPatrick. Additionally, running back MarShawn Lloyd, activated to the active roster with an asterisk on Wednesday, did not practice.
Defensive Line Shifts Amid Injuries
On the defensive front, Lukas Van Ness (foot) practiced again and is expected to play after missing seven out of eight games prior to his return against Denver. Meanwhile, Brenton Cox remains on injured reserve due to a groin injury but participated fully in practice on Wednesday, increasing the likelihood of his activation.
As the teams finalize their preparations, the final injury reports will be released after Thursday’s practices. For now, here’s a snapshot of the Packers’ injury situation:
Packers Injury Report
Did not participate:
RB Josh Jacobs (knee)
RB MarShawn Lloyd (calf/hamstring)
WR Jayden Reed (personal)
RT Zach Tom (knee/back)
TE Josh Whyle (concussion)
S Evan Williams (knee)
Limited participation:
RB Chris Brooks (chest)
T/G Darian Kinnard (neck)
DE Collin Oliver (hamstring)
DE Lukas Van Ness (foot)
WR Christian Watson (chest/shoulder)
WR Dontayvion Wicks (ankle)
G John Williams (back)
WR Savion Williams (foot)
Full participation:
DE Brenton Cox (groin)
WR Matthew Golden (wrist)
QB Jordan Love (left shoulder)
Bears Injury Report
Did not participate:
WR Luther Burden III (ankle)
WR Rome Odunze (foot)
LB Amen Ogbongbemiga (hamstring)
Limited participation:
LB Tremaine Edmunds (groin)
TE Cole Kmet (ankle/knee)
RB D’Andre Swift (groin)
Full participation:
QB Tyson Bagent (illness)
DT Andrew Billings (illness)
RB Travis Homer (ankle)
As Green Bay navigates these challenges, the outcome of their upcoming confrontation with the Bears remains uncertain.
