Packers add a new concern to the secondary ahead of Week 10 Vikings game as injury report keeps piling up
Green Bay ruled out four players, including Josh Jacobs and Micah Parsons, while one starting linebacker’s status points in a hopeful direction.
The Green Bay Packers have old and new concerns ahead of their Week 10 game against the Minnesota Vikings. Two of their starting defensive backs, safeties Javon Bullard and Xavier McKinney, are officially listed as questionable to play on the final injury report of the week.
Both players have performed at a high level this season. That’s why the designations carry so much weight for Green Bay’s defense heading into a division game.
Defensive backfield issues pile up
Bullard is the old concern. He missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday with ankle and knee injuries. He returned on a limited basis Friday, but the limited session wasn’t enough to clear him. Bullard himself, though, said on Thursday that he would play.
McKinney is the new one. The veteran safety was limited in practice on Friday with a foot injury and also received a questionable designation. Losing one starting safety would test the Packers’ depth in the secondary. Losing both against a division rival would be a much bigger problem, even though Bullard is the starting nickel.
Four players already ruled out
Green Bay also has some certainties, and most of them went as expected.
Running back Josh Jacobs (finger) was ruled out as he underwent surgery on Friday. Edge defender Micah Parsons (knee) won’t be activated this week while he continues recovering from his ACL injury. Center Sean Rhyan (ankle) missed practice the entire week and will miss another game. Tight end Josh Whyle (concussion) was also ruled out for the second consecutive game.
Starting linebacker Zaire Franklin is the other notable name. He did not participate in practice at any point during the week with a shin injury, and the team listed him as doubtful to play.
That designation is a positive development. Franklin most likely won’t play against Minnesota, but the fact that he is doubtful rather than out is a good indication he could return after the bye week.
A long list of questionable designations
Bullard and McKinney aren’t alone. Several other Packers players enter the weekend as questionable, and a few of them play key roles on both sides of the ball.
The biggest name on this part of the list might be edge defender Lukas Van Ness. He missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday with a back injury before returning on a limited basis Friday. He’s listed as questionable to play.
Van Ness carries extra importance because Parsons still isn’t available. The Packers can’t afford to lose another pass rusher, especially with two starting safeties also uncertain on the back end.
Running back Chris Brooks was limited throughout the week. He’s still on injured reserve and is questionable with an ankle injury. Wide receiver Skyy Moore is in a similar spot. He also remains on IR, was limited all week, and is questionable while recovering from an ankle injury. Head coach Matt LaFleur said both have a shot at playing.
The offensive line has its own issues. Guard Travis Glover was limited throughout the week with a knee injury and is questionable. Fellow guard Kevin Zeitler is also questionable with ankle and triceps injuries, which could delay once again his potential first start. With Rhyan already ruled out at center, Green Bay could be thin across the interior of the line. Over the past few games, the Packers have had Aaron Banks, John Williams, and Laken Tomlinson on the interior.
Other side
