The Green Bay Packers are heading into Saturday night’s rematch against the Chicago Bears with more than just playoff implications on the line-they’re also nursing a handful of critical injuries that could reshape how this game plays out. At the top of that list: Micah Parsons.
The star pass rusher is done for the year with a torn ACL, a brutal blow to a Packers defense that relies on his disruptive presence up front. Without him, Green Bay loses not just sacks, but pressure, energy, and a tone-setter on the edge.
And the hits keep coming.
Zach Tom, the Packers’ standout right tackle, is also trending toward the inactive list with a knee injury. That’s a major concern for a unit that’s already adjusting without its top pass rusher.
Tom has been a stabilizing force in pass protection all season, and without him, the offensive line will be tested by a Bears front that’s been steadily improving. Protecting the quarterback just got a lot more complicated.
Then there’s Josh Jacobs. The veteran running back is officially questionable with a knee issue, but according to team insiders, there’s a strong sense he’s more doubtful than probable.
If he can’t go, Green Bay loses its most experienced ball carrier and a key piece of its offensive identity. Jacobs brings a physicality and vision that’s hard to replace, especially in a game where controlling the tempo will be critical.
But there’s another name flying a bit under the radar-at least for Bears fans-and it could be just as impactful.
Safety Evan Williams, a fourth-round pick in 2024, has quietly become one of the Packers’ most reliable defenders. With three interceptions this season, he’s shown he can make plays in coverage.
But where he really shines is in the open field. Williams is a sure tackler, the kind of player who erases mistakes before they turn into highlight-reel runs.
He’s been instrumental in limiting explosive plays all year-and that’s exactly what makes his likely absence so significant.
Let’s rewind to the first meeting between these two teams at Lambeau Field just two weeks ago. The Bears ran for 138 yards in that game, but none of their backs broke off anything longer than nine yards.
That wasn’t by accident. Williams was a key reason why those runs didn’t turn into game-breakers.
He was consistently in the right spot, cleaning up in space and keeping the Bears from flipping the field with one big play.
Now, with Williams likely out, the Packers will turn to Zayne Anderson. The former undrafted free agent has been in the league since 2021 but has mostly played in a reserve role.
Last season, he logged 122 snaps-but managed just one run stop. Compare that to Williams’ 16 this year, and the drop-off is clear.
This is where things get interesting for Chicago. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has shown he knows how to exploit matchups, and this is one he’ll surely have circled.
With Williams out, expect the Bears to test the edges and the second level, especially with D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai. If either back can get into space-where Williams would typically be waiting-Green Bay could be in trouble.
Just one or two chunk plays on the ground could tilt the game.
Of course, Green Bay isn’t going to roll over. This is still a well-coached team, and they’ve shown time and again they can adjust.
But there’s no denying the challenge ahead. Losing Parsons, Tom, and potentially Jacobs and Williams doesn’t just hurt-it reshapes both sides of the ball.
For the Bears, the opportunity is clear. They’ve already proven they can move the ball on this defense.
Now, with key defenders missing, the door is open a little wider. If they can capitalize-especially in the run game-they might just flip the script in this rivalry rematch.