Packers Get Key Defensive Reinforcements Ahead of Bears Matchup, but Injury Concerns Still Loom
The Green Bay Packers are getting some much-needed help on defense just in time for a crucial NFC North showdown against the Chicago Bears. Defensive tackle Karl Brooks and linebacker Quay Walker have both been cleared to play, and their return couldn’t come at a better time.
Brooks, who was limited to just four snaps against the Vikings two weeks ago and sat out entirely on Thanksgiving against the Lions, is stepping into a starting role in place of Devonte Wyatt. Wyatt is sidelined with an ankle injury, and with his move to injured reserve reportedly imminent, Brooks now has a real opportunity to make an impact in the trenches.
Walker, meanwhile, has missed the last two games with a stinger, and his presence in the middle of the defense should help shore up the Packers’ run-stopping unit - a key factor as they prepare to face one of the more effective ground games in the league. Chicago’s rushing attack has been a consistent threat all season, and Green Bay will need all hands on deck to slow it down.
Who’s Out for Green Bay
The Packers will be without several contributors this week, with the following players officially ruled out:
- RB MarShawn Lloyd (calf, IR)
- WR Savion Williams (foot)
- DE Lukas Van Ness (foot)
- DE Collin Oliver (hamstring, PUP)
- DT Devonte Wyatt (ankle)
Van Ness had hinted earlier in the week that he was still working through the rehab process, so his absence isn’t a surprise. The same goes for Lloyd and Oliver, who remain on the team’s injury lists. Wyatt’s move to IR is expected to open up a roster spot, likely for wide receiver Jayden Reed once he’s ready to return.
The most notable absence here is Savion Williams, who will miss his second straight game due to a lingering foot injury. Head coach Matt LaFleur had expressed some optimism earlier in the week, but Williams remains sidelined, and the Packers will once again turn to Bo Melton in the return game. Williams has been dealing with this injury for much of the season, often seen in a walking boot, and while it’s been framed as a pain tolerance issue, it’s clearly limiting his availability.
Question Marks Heading Into Sunday
Green Bay has several players listed as questionable, creating a few potential problem areas depending on how things shake out:
- WR Jayden Reed (foot/shoulder, IR)
- WR Matthew Golden (wrist)
- DE Brenton Cox Jr. (groin, IR)
- CB Nate Hobbs (knee)
- S Javon Bullard (ankle)
Let’s start with the wide receivers. If Reed, Golden, and Williams are all unavailable, the Packers will be thin at the position - especially in the slot.
In that case, expect Will Sheppard to be elevated from the practice squad. If you see Sheppard promoted on Saturday, that’s a clear sign the team doesn’t believe Reed or Golden will be ready.
Defensively, the slot corner position is a bit of a puzzle. Bullard is the top option there, but if he can’t go - and if Hobbs is out as well - the Packers may have to turn to Kitan Oladapo.
The rookie safety has barely seen the field on defense this season, logging just two snaps, and has only once played more than a dozen defensive snaps in a game. If he’s pressed into duty, it’ll be a trial by fire against a Bears offense that has shown flashes of explosiveness through the air.
Bears’ Injury Report: Odunze Out, Edwards Returns
On the other side, the Bears have a relatively clean injury sheet - but they’ll be missing a key weapon. Rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze, Chicago’s leading pass-catcher and a 2024 first-round pick, is out with a foot injury. That’s a significant blow to their offense, especially given his chemistry with quarterback Justin Fields.
The Bears will get a boost in the backfield, though. Running back Kyle Monangai, who was limited earlier in the week, was a full participant in Friday’s practice and is good to go. His availability ensures Chicago can keep their run-heavy game plan intact.
Defensively, Chicago welcomes back linebacker T.J. Edwards, who has been sidelined for several weeks but was finally a full participant in practice. However, they’ll be without starting outside corner Tyrique Stevenson, who’s dealing with a hip injury and didn’t practice all week.
Final Thoughts
This game is shaping up to be a battle of attrition as much as anything else. The Packers are getting some important pieces back on defense, but they’re also dealing with several injuries that could test their depth - especially at wide receiver and in the secondary. The Bears, while healthier overall, will be without their top receiving threat, which could limit their ability to stretch the field.
If Green Bay can hold up in the slot and get solid contributions from their next-man-up receivers, they’ll be in good shape. But if the Bears can exploit those weak spots - especially if Oladapo is forced into a full-time role - it could be a long afternoon for the Packers’ defense.
Either way, this one’s loaded with playoff implications and divisional pride. Buckle up.