Rest is the name of the game in Week 18
The Green Bay Packers had a walkthrough practice on Wednesday, so the first injury report of their week was an estimation. On Thursday, which included a full-speed special teams period according to head coach Matt LaFleur, nothing changed on the Packers’ injury report.
Seven players were non-participants over the last two days: cornerback Jaire Alexander (knee), safety Zayne Anderson (concussion), defensive end Brenton Cox Jr. (foot), tackle Andre Dillard (concussion), linebacker Quay Walker (ankle), receiver Christian Watson (knee) and safety Evan Williams (quadricep). According to LaFleur, Watson, who is dealing with bruising, is doing better but will need to “get some work” on Friday to be active against the Chicago Bears on Sunday.
LaFleur has stated several times this week that his starters will be playing, if they’re available. He even pointed out that the Packers are injured to the point that the team cannot field a team if they handed out healthy scratches this week.
For Green Bay to avoid playing the second seed in the NFC playoffs, they’ll not only need to beat the Bears on Sunday but they need the Washington Commanders to lose. Yes, there are ways for Week 18 ties to become a factor, but let’s all hope it doesn’t come down to that.
As far as whether or not the Packers’ starters will play a full game is “to be determined,” according to LaFleur. When asked if his players will just play the first half, an approach the team has taken in the past in late-season games with little to gain, the head coach said that the coaching staff has discussed their options.
LaFleur has been adamant this week that his players need to prepare as if they’re going to get a full slate of action against the Bears, but it doesn’t seem like his roster is buying it. After practice on Thursday, running back Josh Jacobs told reporters, via Ryan Wood of the Green Bay Press-Gazette, that, “Just being honest, being realistic, I don’t see me taking that many carries in the game. Obviously, I want to play. I’m going to push to play, and I’m playing, but I don’t see myself taking 30 carries.”
Along with the seven players who were out on Thursday, running back Chris Brooks (ankle), safety Javon Bullard (ankle), running back Josh Jacobs (wrist), left guard Elgton Jenkins (rest) and tight end Tucker Kraft (rest) were limited. When second-year players are getting back-to-back days off for rest, that’s when you know you’re going to see some half-hearted action on Sunday.