The Green Bay Packers released the team’s first injury report of Week 16 on Thursday. The team will release two more injury reports, including a final injury report on Saturday with official playing status designations before facing the New Orleans Saints on Monday night.
Here’s everything to know from the Packers’ first injury report of Week 16:
Who didn’t participate?
Rookie defensive back Javon Bullard and linebacker Quay Walker, who both have ankle injuries. Bullard missed last week’s win in Seattle, while Walker was hurt in the first half of the win on Sunday night. The Packers are considering these to be “week to week” injuries, so Bullard might have a chance to return but Walker is probably a long shot to play against the Saints.
Did Jaire Alexander practice?
Yes, and he was a full participant again on Thursday. Last week, Alexander was a full participant on Wednesday and Thursday before being shut down on Friday. The Packers didn’t see the movement ability necessary to play a game, so Alexander missed a fourth straight game. He’ll get another week to prove he’s physically capable of returning from a knee ligament injury.
Any new injuries to know?
Just Walker. The Packers only listed five total players on the first injury report, a new season low.
Anyone removed from the injury report?
A bunch of players were removed. Ten, to be exact. Kenny Clark, Edgerrin Cooper, Romeo Doubs, Travis Glover, Elgton Jenkins, Isaiah McDuffie, Josh Myers, Lukas Van Ness, Rasheed Walker and Evan Williams were all removed from the injury report coming out of Week 15. The Packers are as healthy as they’ve been all season.
Who are the injured players to watch this week?
Alexander must prove he’s ready to return. The Packers need him healthy for the postseason, but he’ll play if he’s ready this week. Bullard might have an outside chance of returning, but not practicing on Thursday isn’t a good sign. The same goes for Walker. Tight end Luke Musgrave was limited again on Thursday, but the Packers can activate him from injured reserve at any time.
Packers injury report
CB Jaire Alexander (knee) – FULL
CB Corey Ballentine (knee) – LIMITED
S Javon Bullard (ankle) – DNP
TE Luke Musgrave (ankle) – LIMITED
LB Quay Walker (ankle) – DNP
What’s to know from Saints injury report?
Quarterback Derek Carr (hand), running back Alvin Kamara (groin), receivers Marquez Valdes-Scantling (chest) and Bub Means (ankle) and defensive end Chase Young (illness) did not practice on Thursday. Carr and Kamara aren’t expected to play Monday night. Receiver Chris Olave was limited with a head injury. Cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry was limited with a shoulder injury. Tight end Juwann Johnson was limited with a foot injury. The Saints also have tight end Taysom Hill and cornerback Paulson Adebo on injured reserve.