Packers Face Ravens in Crucial Week 17 Showdown Amid Mounting Injury Concerns
The Green Bay Packers are staring down a pivotal Week 17 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, and the stakes couldn't be much higher. Sitting at 9-5-1 and holding onto the seventh seed in the NFC playoff picture, Green Bay controls its own destiny. Thanks in part to a timely win by Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers over the Detroit Lions, the Packers now need just one win in their final two games to punch their ticket to the postseason.
But if Green Bay fans are feeling a little uneasy heading into Saturday, there's good reason: the injury report reads more like a roll call. A staggering 20 players appeared on the team’s initial report this week, raising real questions about depth, durability, and who will be ready to go when the lights come on against a tough Ravens squad.
Walk-Through Instead of Full Practice
Because the game is on Saturday, the Packers held a walk-through on Tuesday rather than a full practice. That means the participation designations are estimations-but even in that context, the sheer volume of names is eye-opening.
Let’s break it down.
Headliners on the Injury Report
Quarterback Jordan Love is listed with a left shoulder injury and a concussion designation, and was marked as a limited participant. That’s the biggest storyline here. Love has been the engine of Green Bay’s offense this season, and while a limited tag isn’t a red flag on its own, any time your starting quarterback is dealing with both a shoulder issue and concussion protocol, it’s a major concern heading into a high-stakes game.
Running back Josh Jacobs also popped up with knee and ankle issues, and was limited. Jacobs’ physical style is a key part of the Packers’ ground game, especially when trying to control tempo and keep opposing offenses off the field. Green Bay will want him as close to 100% as possible.
On the offensive line, Zach Tom did not participate due to back and knee injuries. Tom has been a steady presence up front, and any absence from him could have ripple effects in both pass protection and run blocking.
Skill Players Trending Up
There is some good news. Wide receivers Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson, and Dontayvion Wicks were all listed as full participants.
That trio has been instrumental in stretching the field and giving Love options downfield. Watson’s return to full participation is particularly encouraging given his injury history this season.
Tight end Josh Whyle was limited with a concussion, but his presence-even in a rotational role-could add some needed versatility in the passing game.
Defensive Depth in Question
On the defensive side, it’s a mixed bag. Edge rusher Lukas Van Ness (foot) and linebacker Arron Mosby (ankle) were limited, while Kristian Welch (ankle) did not participate. In a game where containing Lamar Jackson-if he plays-is paramount, every available defender counts.
First-year safety Evan Williams and defensive tackle Jordon Riley were also limited, which could test Green Bay’s depth in the middle of the field.
Ravens’ Injury Picture: Fewer Names, Bigger Impact
While the Packers are dealing with a quantity issue, the Ravens’ injury list is shorter-but no less significant. Only six players appeared on Baltimore’s initial report, but one of them is Lamar Jackson. The two-time MVP is dealing with a back injury and did not participate in Tuesday’s walk-through.
Jackson’s status looms large. His dual-threat ability changes the entire dynamic of Baltimore’s offense, and if he’s unable to go-or even limited-it could tilt the balance slightly in Green Bay’s favor.
What’s at Stake
For the Packers, it’s simple: win one of the next two, and they’re in. But with a banged-up roster and a dangerous opponent ahead, nothing is guaranteed.
The Ravens are physical, fast, and playoff-tested. Even if Jackson is limited, Baltimore’s defense alone is enough to make this a grind-it-out affair.
Green Bay’s path to victory will depend heavily on who’s healthy enough to suit up-and how close to full strength they really are. If Jordan Love is cleared and the offensive line can hold up despite the injuries, the Packers have enough firepower to get it done. But if the injury bug takes another bite, this playoff push could get a lot more complicated.
Saturday’s game is shaping up to be a gut-check moment for Green Bay. The postseason is within reach-but the margin for error just got a whole lot thinner.