The Green Bay Packers had their first day of practice this week on Tuesday as they prepare for the wild-card game against the Chicago Bears to start the NFL postseason on Saturday. It will be the third meeting between the division rivals this season and also the third all-time postseason meeting.
The Packers rested most of their starters in Week 18 to try to get as many players healthy as possible.
What Are the Latest Injury Updates On Malik Willis and More?
The Packers rested the majority of their starters in Week 18 in an effort to maximize player health. In their matchup against the Minnesota Vikings last week, that decision proved costly, as they were defeated 16‑3.
What’s the latest on the Packers’ injuries?
Packers Tuesday Injury Report:
- DL Warren Brinson (Foot) – Limited Participation
- S Javon Bullard (Knee) – Limited Participation
- LB Edgerrin Cooper (Shoulder) – Limited Participation
- WR Matthew Golden (Achilles) – Full Participation
- CB Bo Melton (Knee) – Did Not Participate
- LB Nick Niemann (Pectoral) – Limited Participation
- OL Zach Tom (Back/Knee) – Limited Participation
- DL Lukas Van Ness (Foot) – Full Participation
- WR Dontayvion Wicks (Concussion) – Limited Participation
- G John Williams (Back) – Limited Participation
- QB Malik Willis (Right Shoulder/Hamstring) – Limited Participation
The Packers held a walkthrough practice on Tuesday, so all participation levels are estimated. Both Niemann and Williams are currently within their 21-day practice window after being designated to return from injured reserve.
Regardless, it is good news to see both Golden and Van Ness as full participants in practice.
Packers coach Matt LaFleur said he would “anticipate” Willis being the backup quarterback this week, and Wicks has not yet cleared concussion protocol.
LaFleur also said he “would expect” Tom to play, which would be a huge boost for the Packers’ offensive line. The offensive guard has not played since Week 15, and LaFleur called him one of the best in the league at his position. Tom is the highest-rated offensive lineman on the team, according to PFSN’s Player OL Impact Metric.
The lone Packer who did not practice was Melton, who does not start but plays a large role on special teams and as a cultural presence on the team.
In addition to the injury report, Green Bay made some roster moves on Tuesday. The Packers released quarterback Clayton Tune after he started Sunday’s game.
Green Bay signed quarterback Desmond Ridder to the active roster from the practice squad, and the Packers signed receivers Julian Hicks and Kisean Johnson and tight end Messiah Swinson to the practice squad.
