Already without star defensive end Micah Parsons for the rest of the season, the Green Bay Packers are dealing with other key injuries — namely star running back Josh Jacobs — ahead of Saturday’s crucial divisional showdown at the Chicago Bears.
Jacobs (knee), starting right tackle Zach Tom (back/knee), starting safety Evan WIlliams (knee) and starting wide receiver Christian Watson (chest/shoulder) have not practiced all week, but Green Bay coach Matt LaFleur said on Thursday that he is not ready to rule out any of them with first place on the line.
The Packers (9-4-1), who beat Chicago in Week 14, are a half-game behind the Bears (10-4) in the NFC North.
“We’ve got a lot of guys — this injury list is pretty substantial — so we’ve got a lot of things to figure out over these next couple of days,” LaFleur told reporters.
“I know every one of these guys is going to be fighting to make it by gametime.”
Along with the knee injury he has been battling for weeks, Jacobs is also dealing with an ankle issue. The 27-year-old has rushed for 890 yards and 13 touchdowns in 13 games this season. He also has 33 receptions for 270 yards and one score.
If Jacobs does sit, Emanuel Wilson would take over lead back duties, while Darian Kinnard would be in line to replace Tom. Kinnard replaced Tom after the latter left Sunday’s loss to the Denver Broncos after Jacobs’ receiving touchdown in the second quarter. Jordan Morgan, Green Bay’s 2024 first-round draft pick, could also see time at right tackle.
Wilson filled in for Jacobs in Week 12 and rushed for 107 yards and two touchdowns on 28 carries. For the season, Wilson, 26, has rushed for 354 yards and three scores on 90 carries in 14 games.
Williams told reporters Wednesday that he sprained his MCL and considered himself day-to-day. Zayne Anderson took over for Williams and is a candidate to start if Williams can’t go Saturday, though Green Bay could also move slot corner Javon Bullard to safety.
Watson, who left Sunday’s loss after Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II landed on him while intercepting a pass, was taken to a hospital for tests but was cleared of any serious injury and may suit up Saturday.
LaFleur said it will depend on how the 26-year-old is able to manage the pain in his chest and shoulder and whether those areas affect his performance. Watson has 28 receptions for 481 yards and five TDs in eight games this season.
