The Green Bay Packers released their first injury report of the divisional round on Tuesday. An updated version was provided after Wednesday’s practice.
Here’s what you need to know from the team’s second injury report of the week:
– Left tackle David Bakhtiari (knee) returned to practice as a limited participant after taking Tuesday off for what coach Matt LaFleur called “load management.” He’s trending in the right direction at the mid-week point. The big day will be Thursday. How will Bakhtiari feel after getting a practice in on Wednesday? If he’s back out there tomorrow, there’s a great chance he’ll start on Saturday night.
– Wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (back) did not practice after being listed as a limited participant on Tuesday. He’s obviously trending in the wrong direction, especially considering this an injury that has lingered. He exited the Packers’ Week 18 loss to the Lions and didn’t practice last week. Not having his speed on the field would be a big loss on Saturday night, but the Packers are expecting to have Randall Cobb back in action. If Valdes-Scantling doesn’t practice on Thursday, he’ll be unlikely to play.
– No update on cornerback Jaire Alexander (shoulder). He was limited again. As long as he’s practicing, he’ll have a real shot at playing Saturday.
– Right tackle Billy Turner (knee) was a full participant again on Wednesday. This is a great sign for his availability on Saturday. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers (toe), running back Aaron Jones (knee) and linebacker De’Vondre Campbell (elbow) were also full participants for the second straight practice.
– Tight end Marcedes Lewis got his veteran’s rest day on Wednesday.
– The Packers still need to activate Cobb, Za’Darius Smith, Whitney Mercilus and Ty Summers from injured reserve before Saturday. That means creating up to four roster spots. They aren’t listed on the injury report until they are back on the 53-man roster.
