Packers Injury Report: Key Players Return to Practice as Green Bay Eyes Late-Season Push
GREEN BAY - The Green Bay Packers are starting to get healthier at a critical point in the season, with several players making their way back to the practice field - and potentially back into the lineup - as December football heats up.
The team opened the 21-day practice window for a handful of players returning from injured reserve, including rookie running back MarShawn Lloyd, edge rusher Brenton Cox Jr., and linebacker Collin Oliver. Wide receiver Jayden Reed, whose window opened back on Nov. 21, continues to progress as well.
Head coach Matt LaFleur made it clear that the plan isn’t to rush anyone back, but rather to gradually reintegrate these players and monitor how their bodies respond.
“We’re going to be pretty open-minded with it and it’s going to be a very fluid situation,” LaFleur said before Monday’s practice. “The more time somebody has missed, the harder it is to get back. But it’s a boost to get those guys back out there - it lifts their spirits, and it lifts ours too.”
Here’s a breakdown of where things stand with several key Packers as the team hits the practice field on Dec. 3:
Quay Walker Trending in the Right Direction
Linebacker Quay Walker was back in action after missing the last two games with a neck stinger - a tricky injury that can linger if not managed carefully. His return to practice is a positive step forward for a defense that’s leaned heavily on his speed and instincts in the middle of the field. Getting Walker back into the rotation would be a big lift for a unit that’s been banged up in recent weeks.
Karl Brooks Returns After Ankle Injury
Defensive tackle Karl Brooks also returned to practice after sitting out the Thanksgiving Day win over the Lions with an ankle injury. Brooks has been a quietly effective piece of the Packers’ defensive front, showing flashes of interior disruption. His ability to plug gaps and push the pocket will be important down the stretch, especially with other injuries piling up along the line.
Jayden Reed Nearing a Return
Jayden Reed didn’t suit up against Detroit, but he hasn’t missed a practice since his return window opened. That’s a promising sign for the rookie wideout, who’s been one of the Packers’ most versatile offensive weapons this season. LaFleur praised Reed not just for his playmaking ability after the catch, but for the gritty, unselfish work he does away from the ball.
“He’s always doing a lot of the dirty work,” LaFleur said. “Digging out safeties, competing to the highest level - he brings that dog mentality to our offense.”
If Reed can get back on the field soon, it’ll give quarterback Jordan Love a reliable target who can do damage in space and open things up for the rest of the receiving corps.
Matthew Golden Back in the Mix
Rookie receiver Matthew Golden was also back at practice after missing the last two games with shoulder and wrist injuries. Golden has shown flashes of potential in limited action, and his return adds another layer of depth to a young but rapidly developing receiver group.
Nate Hobbs Trending Up
Cornerback Nate Hobbs, who’s been sidelined with a knee injury for the past month, practiced again on Monday. Hobbs returned to the field last week and continues to ramp up. His presence could help stabilize a secondary that’s dealt with its share of injuries and inconsistency this season.
Savion Williams Still Sidelined
Receiver and return specialist Savion Williams did not practice. He’s been managing a foot injury and was ruled out for the Lions game. His status remains uncertain, and his absence continues to affect the Packers’ special teams unit, where he’s been a key contributor.
Lukas Van Ness Held Out
Defensive end Lukas Van Ness was also absent from practice. After missing five games with a foot injury, Van Ness returned in Week 12 against the Vikings but played only six snaps before being ruled out again for the Lions game. The team is clearly being cautious with the young pass rusher, who has the tools to be a disruptive force when healthy.
Devonte Wyatt Done for the Year
In the toughest news of the day, LaFleur confirmed that defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt will miss the rest of the season with an ankle injury suffered late in the Thanksgiving game against Detroit. Wyatt isn’t on injured reserve yet, but his season is over. It’s a significant blow to the Packers’ defensive line, where Wyatt had been carving out a bigger role and showing growth in his second year.
Big Picture
For the Packers, this week’s practice sessions are about more than just game prep - they’re about recalibrating the roster and seeing who’s ready to contribute down the stretch. With a mix of rookies and young veterans working their way back, Green Bay is hoping to find the right balance between caution and urgency.
There’s still a lot of football left to be played, and if this team can get healthier at the right time, they could be a tough out in the weeks to come.