As the Green Bay Packers prepare for their Week 18 clash with the Chicago Bears, the team is being cautious due to various injuries affecting key players. With several late-season injuries, the Packers are not overworking their available starters in this relatively low-impact game. The injury report is lengthy, and several important players will be sidelined.
Injury Woes Affect Key Players
Wide receiver Christian Watson, who injured his knee in the Packers’ Week 16 loss to the New Orleans Saints, has returned to limited practice this week. However, Watson’s availability remains uncertain, as he’s listed as questionable. Head coach Matt LaFleur described Watson’s practice return, saying, “He was limited. It was good, really. It was good getting him back out there, kind of getting him back in the flow of things. It was encouraging. You’ll have to wait until game time, it’s still up in the air.”
In addition to Watson, edge defender Brenton Cox Jr., who made an impact with four pressures in Week 17 against the Minnesota Vikings, is also questionable with a foot injury. Cox missed practice all week, and although there is still a possibility he could play, his absence seems probable.
Five Players Already Ruled Out
The Packers are dealing with significant absences, as five key players have already been ruled out for the Bears game. These players include safety Zayne Anderson (concussion), cornerback Jaire Alexander (knee), tackle Andre Dillard (concussion), linebacker Quay Walker (ankle), and safety Evan Williams (quadriceps). The loss of Alexander and Williams is particularly troublesome, as the Packers are already thin at the safety position.
Safety Position Shuffle
With Anderson and Williams unavailable, Javon Bullard will move to deep safety alongside Xavier McKinney, leaving rookie Kitan Oladapo as the only other active safety. Additionally, rookie Omar Brown is expected to be promoted from the practice squad to add depth to the secondary.
Positive News for the Packers
Despite the injury challenges, the Packers have some good news on the injury front. Running backs Josh Jacobs (wrist) and Chris Brooks (ankle), safety Javon Bullard (ankle), defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt (concussion), left guard Elgton Jenkins (rest), and tight end Tucker Kraft (rest) are all off the injury report and expected to play against the Bears.
Bears’ Injury Report
On the Bears’ side, safety Elijah Hicks (ankle/foot), running back Travis Homer (hamstring), and left guard Teven Jenkins (calf) have been ruled out. However, tackle Larry Borom (illness) and other previously injured players have been cleared to play.
With several key absences, the Packers will need their remaining players to step up as they look to finish their season strong against a division rival. Although they are proceeding cautiously, the team will need to rely on depth to secure a victory.
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