Injury-Riddled Packers Still in Playoff Hunt After Tough Loss to Bears
The Green Bay Packers walked into Soldier Field on Saturday night with playoff hopes in sight and confidence to match. But by the time the final whistle blew on a 22-16 overtime loss to the rival Chicago Bears, that optimism had taken a serious hit-both on the scoreboard and in the training room.
Already down All-Pro pass rusher Micah Parsons, who tore his ACL earlier this season, the Packers suffered a fresh wave of injuries that could significantly impact their playoff push. Chief among them: tight end John FitzPatrick, who tore his Achilles during the game, a brutal blow to an already depleted position group.
Packers’ Tight End Depth Takes Another Hit
FitzPatrick’s injury is the latest in a string of setbacks at the tight end position for Green Bay. Earlier this season, Tucker Kraft was putting together a Pro Bowl-caliber campaign before an ACL tear ended his year. That injury forced the Packers to lean more heavily on a committee of Luke Musgrave, John FitzPatrick, and Josh Whyle.
But in Chicago, that depth was tested to the limit. Whyle was sidelined with a concussion, leaving just Musgrave and FitzPatrick available. When FitzPatrick went down, the Packers were left with a single healthy tight end-far from ideal for an offense that has leaned on multi-tight end sets to create mismatches and support the run game.
Tests on Sunday confirmed the worst: FitzPatrick tore his Achilles and is done for the season. Given the nature of the injury, he’s likely to miss a good chunk of next year as well.
Playoff Path Still Alive-But Not Without Obstacles
Despite the loss, Green Bay’s postseason hopes are still very much alive, thanks in part to a little help from an old friend. Former Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, now leading the Pittsburgh Steelers, guided his team to a win over the Detroit Lions. That result keeps the door open for Green Bay-one win in their final two games will punch their ticket to the playoffs.
But the challenge ahead is steep. Losing Parsons has already weakened a once-formidable pass rush, and now the offense is scrambling to patch holes at tight end. Musgrave is the last man standing, and while he’s flashed potential, asking him to shoulder the full load down the stretch is a tall order.
Green Bay does have options on the practice squad, with McCallan Castles and Drake Dabney available for elevation. Expect at least one of them to get the call as the Packers try to stabilize the position ahead of a critical final stretch.
Final Word
The Packers' season has been a study in resilience. They've weathered key injuries, leaned on depth, and stayed in the playoff picture thanks to timely wins and a little outside help. But with two games left and a roster that's looking thinner by the week, they’ll need every ounce of grit-and a few healthy bodies-to finish the job.
The path to the postseason is still there. But it won’t be easy.