The Green Bay Packers lost rookie defensive backs Evan Williams and Javon Bullard to injuries during Thursday night’s loss to the Detroit Lions at Ford Field.
Williams was evaluated for a concussion in the first half and ruled out to start the second half. Bullard suffered an ankle injury in the second half and was carted back to the locker room. Per Rob Demovsky of ESPN, Bullard was on crutches leaving the locker room on Thursday night.
Without Williams, the Packers played special teamer Zayne Anderson at safety. When Bullard went out, the Packers moved Keisean Nixon to the slot and had Eric Stokes and Carrington Valentine play outside.
The Packers were already without cornerbacks Jaire Alexander (knee) and Corey Ballentine (knee) on Thursday night. Rookie linebacker Edgerrin Cooper (hamstring) also didn’t play for the third straight game.
The good news is the Packers — who just played a third game in 12 days — don’t play again until Sunday Dec. 15. A weekend of rest and recovery might be exactly what Matt LaFleur’s team needs before the final four games, which includes road games against the Seahawks and Minnesota Vikings. Green Bay won’t be back on the practice field in an official capacity until next Wednesday.
Defensive end Lukas Van Ness exited briefly with a thumb injury but returned. Right guard Sean Rhyan exited with an undisclosed injury but also returned. It’s possible LaFleur will provide updates on a few players in his post-game wrap-up press conference on Friday in Green Bay.
