Packers Face Key Injury Question as Crucial Stretch Begins
The Green Bay Packers are riding high after a big win over the Detroit Lions, but the road ahead is anything but smooth. With a pivotal stretch looming - two games against the division-rival Bears sandwiching a trip to Denver - Green Bay’s playoff hopes could hinge on depth, health, and execution. And right now, health is a growing concern, especially in the secondary.
Second-round rookie Javon Bullard, a rising presence in the Packers’ defensive backfield, is dealing with an injury that’s put his status for Sunday’s game against Chicago in serious doubt. After being limited in Wednesday’s practice, Bullard was sidelined entirely on Thursday and Friday. Head coach Matt LaFleur addressed the situation Friday morning.
“It was from the game,” LaFleur said. “He was having some lingering effects, so we thought it would be best to shut him down and see how he progresses. As far as [Sunday’s] game is concerned, I would say it’s up in the air.”
That’s not what the Packers want to hear ahead of a matchup with serious NFC North implications. Bullard has quietly become a key contributor in Green Bay’s young, physical secondary. While he hasn’t played more than 70 percent of the defensive snaps since Week 9, his impact when he’s on the field has been significant.
Opposing quarterbacks have posted a passer rating of just 75.8 when targeting Bullard - a strong number for any defensive back, let alone a rookie. Since the Packers’ Week 5 bye, Bullard also owns the second-highest Pro Football Focus grade among slot defenders. That’s elite company, and it speaks to his ability to play fast, play physical, and play smart - traits LaFleur himself highlighted.
“The style of play we’re looking for, you have to look no further than what he does,” LaFleur said. “Just playing physical, playing fast. He does a great job.”
Bullard’s presence is especially valuable in a secondary that has allowed the second-fewest passing yards per game in the NFC. That group will be tasked with slowing down Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, who, despite his talent and potential, currently ranks last in the league in completion percentage among eligible quarterbacks. The Bears will also be without top wideout Rome Odunze, which gives Green Bay’s defense an edge - but only if it’s at full strength.
If Bullard is unable to go, the Packers will have to get creative. Nate Hobbs, a free-agent addition, could slide into the slot if he’s healthy enough to return. Keisean Nixon is another option on the inside, though that would stretch Green Bay’s depth on the outside - a risk against any NFL offense, even one missing its top receiving threat.
The Packers drafted Bullard in the second round of the 2024 draft with games like this in mind - high-stakes, late-season battles where every possession matters. His availability could be the difference between a defense that dominates and one that’s forced to adjust on the fly.
With the NFC playoff picture tightening and division games carrying extra weight, Green Bay needs all hands on deck. Bullard’s status remains up in the air, but his importance to this defense is crystal clear.