The Green Bay Packers will be without wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks as they head into Saturday’s Wild Card matchup against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field, a significant absence for one of the league’s youngest and most improved offenses.
How Dontayvion Wicks’ Absence Shapes the Packers’ Wild Card Plans
The team ruled Wicks out after he did not clear the NFL’s concussion protocol in time to be eligible for the game. He had been progressing through the league’s multi-step return process during the week, but was not approved by an independent neurologist, which is required before a player can return to action. The decision became official on Friday when the Packers released their final injury report.
Wicks sustained the concussion in Week 17 and missed the team’s regular-season finale. While his role this season fluctuated based on game plan and personnel availability, he consistently provided reliable production when targeted, giving quarterback Jordan Love another option capable of winning one-on-one matchups.
His absence comes as Green Bay enters the postseason with a PFSN’s NFL Offense Impact score of 81.2, which ranks seventh in the league. Losing Wicks removes a valuable depth piece at a time when the Packers face a Chicago defense that has played some of its best football down the stretch.
The Bears’ secondary has tightened in coverage over the past month, allowing fewer explosive plays and generating more takeaways as the team surged into playoff contention. Without Wicks, Green Bay loses a receiver known for his route detail and dependable hands in key situations.
The Packers are expected to rely more heavily on Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, and Jayden Reed to fill the void. Reed began the season on the physically unable to perform list, but he returned in November and quickly reestablished himself as one of the team’s most versatile playmakers. His ability to line up in multiple spots and create yards after the catch gives Green Bay a valuable option as it reshapes its game plan without Wicks.
Doubs has been a consistent red-zone presence, while Watson’s availability has fluctuated due to injuries. Green Bay may also lean more on its tight ends and running backs in the passing game to help offset the loss, though the team remains without TE1 Tucker Kraft.
The Packers and Bears will kick off Saturday at 8:00 p.m. ET at Soldier Field. The game will stream exclusively on Prime Video and will follow the matchup between the Los Angeles Rams and the Carolina Panthers.
