Per Rob Demovsky of ESPN, the Green Bay Packers returned linebacker Quay Walker — the team’s leading tackler — to practice on Wednesday, the first day of on-field prep for Week 11 against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Walker, a 2022 first-round pick, missed the last two games after tweaking his groin in the lead up to the Packers’ Week 9 win over the Los Angeles Rams. Isaiah McDuffie started each game Walker missed.
The Packers will need all the defensive talent available when hosting Justin Herbert, Austin Ekeler and Keenan Allen on Sunday at Lambeau Field.
Walker produced 66 tackles in seven games before the injury. Without him against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, the Packers missed 16 tackles — including 12 while attempting to tackle running back Jaylen Warren. The Steelers rushed for 205 yards.
Per Demovsky, cornerback Jaire Alexander (shoulder) and safety Rudy Ford (calf?) did not practice Wednesday, clouding their availability for Sunday. Alexander missed last week’s loss in Pittsburgh; Ford played through a calf injury.
The Packers also welcomed rookie cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly to practice on Wednesday. He was claimed off waivers from the Seattle Seahawks. The Packers made a roster spot available by releasing defensive back Innis Gaines.