Packers make 3 key determinations before facing the Cardinals, and each could have a major impact on Sunday’s game
Green Bay has ruled out wide receiver Christian Watson, edge defender Lukas Van Ness, and defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt, but there are more reasons for concern.
The Green Bay Packers will be without three key players on Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals. Two of them are not exactly a surprise: Defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt (knee) and edge defender Lukas Van Ness (foot) have been ruled out after missing the entire week of practice.
Additionally, wide receiver Christian Watson will have to wait a little longer. The offensive playmaker was limited at practice throughout the week, but the Packers are being cautious and determined it’s still too early to have him back from an ACL injury.
New reasons for concern
The list of players with a questionable designation is long, with seven pieces. The most notable point is that running back Josh Jacobs, who had been listed with an illness, has now a calf injury, and that’s the reason why his presence in the game is uncertain. Cornerback Nate Hobbs was also added to the report with a new knee injury.
The other questionable players are right tackle Zach Tom (oblique), kicker Brandon McManus (quad), wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks (ankle), and backup tackle Anthony Belton (ankle). Interior offensive lineman Jacob Monk, still on injured reserve, is also questionable — he would have to be activated on Saturday to play.
Who’s out
Edge defender Lukas Van Ness, who suffered a foot injury against the Bengals, has been ruled out after missing the entire week of practice. An MRI earlier this week showed this is not a long-term issue, but Matt LaFleur indicated it’s up in the air how much time he might miss.
Defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt hurt his knee against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 4, missing the Bengals game. He’s also been ruled out for the Cardinals matchup, a huge absence for the Packers’ defensive front. Initially, LaFleur had said that Wyatt was “week-to-week,” and this week the head coach indicated that the defensive tackle is getting closer to his return. However, Wyatt is not ready yet.
Christian Watson tore his ACL in January. The Packers opened his 21-day practice window on Oct. 6, so they still have time to activate him. It’s the seventh game he will miss because of the knee injury, even though it sounds like his return is actually closer. Head coach Matt LaFleur had left the possibility of Watson playing this week up in the air, which usually is a positive indication about a player’s return sooner rather than later.
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