While the Green Bay Packers opened up their week of practice with far more injured players than the Pittsburgh Steelers, injury luck seems to be swinging in their direction on Thursday. First of all, three
previously limited participants from Wednesday’s practice were a full go on Thursday: left guard Aaron Banks (groin), swing tackle Anthony Belton (ankle) and cornerback Nate Hobbs (knee). Belton is going to be a big domino for the team, as if he’s healthy it could allow for the release of offensive lineman Donovan Jennings — a healthy scratch last week — to make room for the addition of receiver Christian Watson.
Secondly, Packers kicker Brandon McManus, who was a non-participant yesterday, was a limited participant in today’s practice. Belton and McManus were two of the team’s four inactives due to injury last week against the Arizona Cardinals.
Other limited participants in practice on Thursday were running back Josh Jacobs (calf), receiver Christian Watson (knee), right tackle Zach Tom (back), defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt (knee), safety Xavier McKinney (ankle/knee) and safety Evan Williams (back). Wyatt, like Belton and McManus, also missed the Cardinals game.
The only non-participants in practice for the Packers today were receiver Dontayvion Wicks (calf) and defensive end Lukas Van Ness (foot). Generally, Green Bay seems to be getting healthier on a day-by-day basis.
Meanwhile, the same is not true for the Steelers. Three of their players were given declining statuses on Thursday. Center Zach Frazier went from a limited participant to a non-participant with a calf injury, receiver Scotty Miller popped up on the injury report as a limited participant with a finger injury and, most importantly, pass-rusher T.J. Watt, after a day of rest, was given a limited status today with a hip injury.
Pittsburgh is already giving up tons of explosive plays in its man-coverage-heavy defensive scheme. Without Watt potentially rushing the quarterback, big plays will only be easier for the Packers’ offense. Keep an eye out for updates on Watt’s status leading up to the game.
