Both the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers head into a pivotal matchup for control atop the NFC North riddled with injuries. For the Lions, they are still reeling from a heavy injury game against the Seahawks in week two but the Packers have yet to be fully healthy all season long.
The Packers head into the matchup against the Lions with a 2-1 record, like the Lions, but they nearly didn’t get there. Against the Saints in their home opener last week, the Packers needed all 60 minutes to secure a win to be in this position. That game showed that the injuries the Packers are facing can be impactful and against the Lions they may not be able to overcome them.
Buy Lions TicketsHere are some key injuries at various positions that the Packers are dealing with heading into Thursday’s matchup.
Running Back
Aaron Jones, the team’s leading rusher in 2022, has only played in one game this year and has been sorely missed while being out with a hamstring injury. In his absence, AJ Dillon has been the lead back but only averages 2.9 yards per carry compared to Aaron Jones who has a career average of 5.1.
Jones was a limited participant in practice for the Packers on Monday and Tuesday. His status against the Lions remains up in the air.
Wide Receiver
The Packers number one receiver, Chrisitan Watson has yet to play this year and he remains on the injury report this week. Watson is the team’s top receiver, yes but he is also their best deep threat. The passing game has been steady with Jordan Love but the return of Watson could give it an efficiency they haven’t achieved yet.
Watson did not practice on Monday but was a limited participant on Tuesday.
Offensive Line
Three starters are on the Packers injury report, highlighted by veteran cornerstone David Bahktiari. The star left tackle has played just one game this year while dealing with a knee injury. Also injured are interior lineman Elgton Jenkins and tackle Zach Tom. Jenkins and Tom are both dealing with knee injuries with Tom being the only one to participate in practice this week.
Linebacker
De’Vondre Campbell, one of the team’s centerpieces of the defense in the middle, is a notable name on the team’s injury report. Campbell is dealing with an ankle injury but compared to most we have discussed so far he has played in all three games.
He has not practiced this week and after suffering the injury on Sunday he may be doubtful, not an official designation, on a short week.
Defensive Backs
The Packers have three defensive backs on their injury report with two of them managing to get a practice in this week. Star cornerback Jaire Alexander as well as Carrington Valentine and Zayne Anderson are on the injury report as they deal with different injuries.
Alexander was a limited participant on Tuesday with a back injury. Valentine also was a limited participant in practice with a biceps injury while Anderson has yet to practice this week with hamstring injury.
