The underdog Green Bay Packers will be without several defensive starters and several offensive playmakers on Thanksgiving Day against the NFC North-leading Detroit Lions.
In addition to tight end Luke Musgrave and running back Emanuel Wilson going on injured reserve, the Packers made six important contributors inactive because of injuries for Week 12.
Running back Aaron Jones (knee) is out, as expected. So is rookie receiver Dontayvion Wicks, who was in concussion protocol and battling a knee injury.
Three key defensive starters won’t play: cornerback Jaire Alexander (shoulder), linebacker De’Vondre Campbell (neck) and safety Rudy Ford (biceps) are all inactive.
Tight end Josiah Deguara was doubtful to play and is out. The Packers brought up rookie Henry Pearson from the practice squad to handle Deguara’s role.
Of the eight players the Packers listed as questionable, doubtful or out, only one will play: running back A.J. Dillon, who will fight through a groin injury.
The inactive list could, in theory, be worse. Caleb Jones is a healthy scratch.
The bruised and batter Packers have a gigantic task awaiting at Ford Field. Can Matt LaFleur’s team overcome all the injuries and stun the favored Lions on the road in front of a national audience?
Packers inactive list
WR Dontayvion Wicks
S Rudy Ford
CB Jaire Alexander
RB Aaron Jones
LB De’Vondre Campbell
T Caleb Jones
TE Josiah Deguara
Lions inactive list
DL Isaiah Buggs
CB Steven Gilmore
WR Antoine Green
G Jonah Jackson
DL Brodric Martin
LB Trevor Nowaske
LB Julian Okwara