The Green Bay Packers ruled out defensive back Javon Bullard and linebacker Quay Walker and listed cornerback Jaire Alexander, cornerback Corey Ballentine, tight end Luke Musgrave and safety Evan Williams as questionable on the final injury report before facing the New Orleans Saints in Week 16.
How will the injury situation affect Monday night’s showdown?
Here’s an in-depth breakdown of the Packers’ final injury report ahead of Week 15:
Out (2)
DB Javon Bullard (ankle): The rookie defensive back didn’t practice all week for the second straight week and will miss another game. Expect to see Keisean Nixon in the slot again on Monday night. Matt LaFleur called this a week to week injury, so maybe Bullard will be back in time to play the Vikings next Sunday.
LB Quay Walker (ankle): As expected, Walker is out after injuring his ankle last Sunday night in Seattle. The Packers will go into Monday night with Isaiah McDuffie, Edgerrin Cooper, Eric Wilson and Ty’Ron Hopper as the four linebacker options.
Questionable (4)
CB Jaire Alexander (knee): He practiced in full all three days this week, but the Packers aren’t committed to him playing on Monday night just yet. It won’t be surprising if he plays and if won’t be surprising if he misses a fifth straight game. Carrington Valentine and Eric Stokes would be the expected starters outside if Alexander can’t go.
CB Corey Ballentine (knee): Ballentine played through this same injury last week. He was limited all this week but should be available against the Saints.
TE Luke Musgrave (ankle): The second-year tight end was limited all week but could return from missing the better part of three months with an ankle injury. He’d add a dynamic vertical threat if available, but expect a limited number of snaps behind Tucker Kraft.
S Evan Williams (quad): The Packers added Williams to the injury report on Saturday as a limited participant, which is always a bit of a worrisome sign. His potential absence combined with Bullard’s status would create problems in the defensive backfield.
No status designation
The Packers listed only six players on the final injury report, and all six have designations. Ten players were removed from the injury report entering Week 16.
Saints injury report
The Saints ruled out quarterback Derek Carr, running back Alvin Kamara, receiver Chris Olave and receiver Bub Means and listed receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling as questionable. Edge rusher Chase Young is off the injury report and will play. The Saints will be down their starting quarterback, best offensive weapon and best pass-catcher. Cornerback Paulson Adebo (the team’s best coverage corner), tight end Taysom Hill (the team’s most unique weapon) and receiver Rashid Shaheed (the team’s best deep threat) are on injured reserve.