The Green Bay Packers are limping into a critical Week 16 matchup against the NFC North-leading Chicago Bears, and the timing couldn’t be worse. With the playoff race tightening and the Bears surging, Green Bay finds itself battling not just an opponent, but a growing injury list that’s threatening to derail their postseason hopes.
Let’s start with the biggest blow: defensive end Micah Parsons. The Packers’ pass rush took a serious hit when Parsons went down with an ACL injury during their Week 15 loss to the Broncos at Mile High. He’s been a disruptive force on the edge all season, and losing him now-right before a must-win divisional game-is a gut punch for a defense that’s already been stretched thin.
But the injuries didn’t stop there.
On offense, wide receiver Christian Watson and right tackle Zach Tom are both dealing with fresh injuries of their own. Watson suffered a chest injury, while Tom is nursing a knee issue. Neither player participated in Tuesday’s walkthrough, and their status for Saturday remains very much in the air.
Head coach Matt LaFleur didn’t sugarcoat the situation.
“Every one of these guys is going to be fighting to make it by game time,” LaFleur said, emphasizing the urgency as the Packers prepare for what could be a make-or-break moment in their season.
LaFleur also acknowledged the injury report is “substantial” heading into the weekend, particularly when it comes to Tom and Watson. For Tom, it’s a matter of pain tolerance and mobility. For Watson, it’s another hurdle in a season that’s already tested his resilience-he only recently returned in October after a grueling nine-month recovery from an ACL tear last year.
And while Watson’s availability will be a game-time decision, there was at least one bright spot: rookie wideout Jayden Reed, who left the Broncos game late with a lower-body issue, was not listed on the injury report. That’s a relief for a Packers offense that can’t afford to lose another weapon.
The timing of this matchup adds another layer of difficulty. With a short week and a trip to Soldier Field looming, the Packers are facing a tall order.
The Bears have found their rhythm, and they’re defending home turf with the division lead in hand. Green Bay, meanwhile, will need to summon every ounce of grit they’ve got left.
Injuries are part of the game, sure-but for the Packers, they’re coming fast and furious at the worst possible time. If they’re going to pull off the upset in Chicago, they’ll need more than just a solid game plan. They’ll need heart, depth, and a little bit of luck.