The Packers may be getting a little healthier at just the right time.
On Friday, Nov. 13, Matt LaFleur said running back Chris Brooks and wide receiver Skyy Moore both have a shot to play Sunday, Nov. 15, when Green Bay meets the Minnesota Vikings in a huge NFC North matchup. ESPN’s Rob Demovsky reported that LaFleur said “they definitely do” when asked whether the two had a chance to suit up.
LaFleur also said, “We’ll get through today and see where they’re at.”
That update comes after a surprising DNP designation for safety Xavier McKinney, so at least there’s something positive for Packers fans to hold onto heading into the weekend.
Brooks’ potential return would matter most if Josh Jacobs ends up on Injured Reserve, which would leave Green Bay thin in the backfield. If Jacobs is out Sunday, Kaleb Johnson would be in line as the likely RB1 after breaking out with a strong showing against the New England Patriots. MarShawn Lloyd would probably remain the RB2, but Brooks has shown enough in limited work to make this a meaningful possible addition.
He has 15 carries for 70 yards, a 4.7-yard average that stands out on a team averaging just 3.0 yards per carry. Brooks still hasn’t had a real chance to show what he can do this season, but the flashes have been there.
Moore’s role is different, but no less important. He was never going to be a major target for Jordan Love, yet his value on special teams is clear. His quickness and versatility give Green Bay something it has been missing since Keisean Nixon handled kick returns.
The Packers are dealing with plenty of injury issues already, including offensive absences like Jayden Reed and Zach Bako-Bewele, plus defensive losses involving Micah Parsons, Edgerrin Cooper, and Javon Hargrave, among others. Even with all of that, Green Bay sits at 6-3, and the Week 1 loss at Minnesota still lingers after the Packers gave up 29 unanswered points.
Now, with a divisional rematch on deck, getting Brooks and Moore back would give LaFleur a little more to work with in a game where Green Bay can use every available body.
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Jordan Love figures to be central to whatever Green Bay does next, especially with Minnesota bringing a defense that has been difficult to crack. The matchup has drawn plenty of attention from around the league, including a round of Bleacher Report predictions that leaned toward the Packers, which only adds to the sense that this is more than just another division game. For Green Bay, it is a chance to answer a familiar opponent on its own turf and make the rematch count. [Read more 🡒]