Packers’ defensive front has an unexpected question to answer right before the Bears game in Week 5
Defensive tackle Javon Hargrave was added to the injury report on Friday with a toe injury and is now questionable to play.
The Green Bay Packers have ruled out only one player from their 53-man roster for Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears in Week 5. It’s running back Chris Brooks, who didn’t participate in practice throughout the week because of an ankle injury.
Nonetheless, defensive tackle Javon Hargrave was added to the injury report on Friday and was limited at practice with a toe injury. He’s officially listed as questionable. Fellow interior defensive lineman Anthony Campbell (ankle) is also questionable to play.
With Warren Brinson on injured reserve and Jordon Riley on PUP, the position is thin in terms of depth. The other options on the roster are Devonte Wyatt, Karl Brooks, Chris McClellan, and Jonathan Ford. David Blay Jr. is on the practice squad.
Offensive question marks
Without Chris Brooks, the Packers will have three active running backs in Week 5: MarShawn Lloyd, Kaleb Johnson, and recently-promoted Pierre Strong Jr.
Wide receiver Savion Williams was also ruled out, but he’s still on the injured reserve. The former third-round pick was limited at practice this week, but the Packers decided to be conservative with his ramp-up period.
Hope along the offensive line
While the Packers will potentially start Laken Tomlinson and Kevin Zeitler at the guard spots this week, depth is getting stronger. Aaron Banks (knee/toe) and Jacob Monk (quadricep) will likely not play against the Bears, but they haven’t been ruled out. Instead, they’re listed as doubtful to play.
Fellow offensive lineman Jager Burton is questionable with a back injury. Right tackle Anthony Belton (knee), cornerback Brandon Cisse (neck), edge defender Lukas Van Ness (shoulder), and defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt (ankle) are off the injury report, which means they’re expected to play.
Other side
The biggest surprise on Friday actually came from Chicago. Quarterback Caleb Williams returned to practice from a hamstring injury.
Head coach Ben Johnson had said earlier in the week that Tyson Bagent would start, but Williams is now officially listed as questionable to play. More likely, though, is that Williams returns next week.
“He’s right on track,” Johnson said after practice. “We got him throwing a little bit the other day, and we’ve got a progression set up for what that looks like. To be determined how long it will be still. We’ve got him progressively increasing the amount of running that’s going on, and of course the throwing aspect of it is a big part of his position as well. Our guys have a good plan in place, and we’re just going step-by-step with that right now. Every couple of days we’re getting this throwing protocol in and making sure there are no setbacks. So far, so good.”
