Three players, including the Packers’ cornerback, had to leave Sunday’s game against the Saints due to injuries.
Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur provided an overview of his players’ injury statuses had the team been permitted to practice today during his press conference on Monday.
Running back Aaron Jones (hamstring) and outside linebacker Rashan Gary (knee) would have limited participation, while receiver Christian Watson (hamstring), left tackle David Bakhtiari, left guard Elgton Jenkins, right tackle Zach Tom, inside linebacker De’Vondre Campbell (ankle), cornerback Jaire Alexander (back), cornerback Carrington Valentine (biceps), and safety Zayne Anderson (hamstring) would have been non-participants.
A short week before Thursday Night Football, you have to love the hypothetical participation reports.
LaFleur went on to say that he’s “hopeful” that Jones and Watson play against the Detroit Lions on Thursday, but he said the team is in the same situation as they were last week.
Jones reportedly told the television crew in Week 3 that he expected to play against the New Orleans Saints, but he ultimately chose not to put on a uniform.
Tom, Campbell, and Valentine were the team’s new injuries from the game on Sunday.
Campbell’s ankle injury was not to the same ankle that had caused him discomfort in the past, according to LaFleur.
Valentine’s biceps weren’t torn, according to the head coach, which is good news regarding his injury.
LaFleur’s only comment regarding Tom was that a player’s inability to finish a game is never a good sign.
The Packers’ inability to field a full roster after Week 3 will be a significant handicap going into this week’s NFC North matchup.
Less than half of Green Bay’s 2023 salary cap was visible on the field in just the third week of the season due to dead cap hits and players who the Packers are currently paying but are unable to play.
Only one healthy scratch (rookie safety Anthony Johnson Jr.) was permitted for the Packers due to the large number of injuries.
A practice squad player Corey Ballentine might start this week’s game against the Lions at cornerback if Alexander and Valentine are unable to play. If neither Bakhtiari nor Tom are able to play tackle, Rasheed Walker and Yosh Nijman would be the team’s bookends and swing tackle would be Caleb Jones, who was a healthy scratch in Weeks 1 and 2.
Isaiah McDuffie largely took Campbell’s place against New Orleans when he was injured, but Eric Wilson filled in at linebacker on a few clear passing down looks.
Watch for tomorrow’s injury report, which should help us better understand who is likely to play against the Lions.
To get 46 healthy players on the gameday roster against Detroit, the Packers may need to rearrange their 53-man roster and promote players from the practice squad.