There was some hope earlier this week that either running back MarShawn Lloyd or receiver Jayden Reed would return to the 53-man roster after a stint on the injured reserve. On Monday, when Green Bay Packers
head coach Matt LaFleur was asked if the team was going to open either of their 21-day practice windows this week, LaFleur said, “I sure as heck hope so.”
But Wednesday has now come, the first day of the Packers’ practices leading up to their matchup against the Minnesota Vikings, and neither player seems ready to go. It’ll be at least one more week before Green Bay’s offense gets some reinforcements at the skill positions. Stay patient.
Beyond the lack of injured reserve activations, here’s what we know about the Packers and Vikings’ injury statuses.
Packers’ non-participants
- RB Josh Jacobs (knee)
- WR Savion Williams (foot)
- DT Karl Brooks (ankle)
- LB Quay Walker (neck)
- CB Nate Hobbs (knee)
Running back Josh Jacobs and linebacker Quay Walker were both injured in Sunday’s win against the New York Giants and did not practice today. If they can’t go against the Vikings, their replacements will be Emanuel Wilson and Isaiah McDuffie, respectively. McDuffie previously played the third-linebacker role for the Packers, which Ty’Ron Hopper subbed in at when McDuffie moved to Mike linebacker in-game this weekend.
If you want to read our full depth chart update after studying last week’s action, you can find that HERE.
Cornerback Nate Hobbs looks like he’s on pace to miss his third-straight game with his MCL sprain. Without Hobbs, the Packers have started Carrington Valentine full-time opposite Keisean Nixon. Honestly, it’s worked out pretty well.
Savion Williams is in a walking boot right now, managing a pain issue, but he’s been playing on game days as a gadget player on offense and as a kick returner. Assume that he’s going to go on Sunday, unless he remains a non-participant throughout the week.
The only new injury to the bunch is defensive tackle Karl Brooks, who played through the end of the Giants game, but is now listed with an ankle injury. Keep an eye on this one.
Packers’ limited participants
- WR Romeo Doubs (wrist)
- WR Christian Watson (knee)
- WR Matthew Golden (shoulder/wrist)
- WR Dontayvion Wicks (calf)
- RT Zach Tom (back)
- DE Micah Parsons (pectoral)
- DE Lukas Van Ness (foot)
- LB Edgerrin Cooper (foot)
- CB Keisean Nixon (illness)
- S Javon Bullard (ankle)
For the most part, these injuries are just nagging issues that players are dealing with. The only new statuses since Sunday are with cornerback Keisean Nixon (illness) and safety Javon Bullard (ankle). Otherwise, the remaining players all suited up against the Giants, despite these prior injuries, other than defensive end Lukas Van Ness, who was listed as questionable going into the game.
Keep an eye on the Bullard and Van Ness injuries down the stretch, in particular. We don’t have a clear understanding of what these injuries mean for their Week 12 status. Van Ness seemed to be close to returning to action last week, but this week is still not promised.
Packers’ Full Participants
- QB Jordan Love (shoulder)
- K Brandon McManus (quadricep)
Hey, some good news! Both quarterback Jordan Love, who injured his left shoulder against the Giants, and kicker Brandon McManus, who missed the game entirely, were full participants today. I’m going to assume that McManus is back active against the Vikings this week, assuming another late injury setback doesn’t force Lucas Havrisik back into the lineup.
Vikings’ non-participants
- RG Will Fries (knee)
- ED Jonathan Greenard (shoulder)
Minnesota didn’t have a practice on Wednesday, so their player statuses are only estimations. With that being said, they did estimate that two of their starters would have been non-participants today. Guard Will Fries was the team’s big free agent signing this offseason, inking a five-year, $88 million deal. Pass-rusher Jonathan Greenard is another high-priced player, currently on a four-year $76 million contract.
