Field Level Media
19 Dec 2025, 01:49 GMT+10
(Photo credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images)
Already without star defensive end Micah Parsons for the rest of the season, the Green Bay Packers are dealing with other key injuries -- namely star running back Josh Jacobs -- ahead of Saturday's crucial divisional showdown at the Chicago Bears.
Jacobs (knee), starting right tackle Zach Tom (back/knee), starting safety Evan WIlliams (knee) and starting wide receiver Christian Watson (chest/shoulder) have not practiced all week, but Green Bay coach Matt LaFleur said on Thursday that he is not ready to rule out any of them with first place on the line.
The Packers (9-4-1), who beat Chicago in Week 14, are a half-game behind the Bears (10-4) in the NFC North.
'We've got a lot of guys -- this injury list is pretty substantial -- so we've got a lot of things to figure out over these next couple of days,' LaFleur told reporters.
'I know every one of these guys is going to be fighting to make it by gametime.'
Along with the knee injury he has been battling for weeks, Jacobs is also dealing with an ankle issue. The 27-year-old has rushed for 890 yards and 13 touchdowns in 13 games this season. He also has 33 receptions for 270 yards and one score.
If Jacobs does sit, Emanuel Wilson would take over lead back duties, while Darian Kinnard would be in line to replace Tom. Kinnard replaced Tom after the latter left Sunday's loss to the Denver Broncos after Jacobs' receiving touchdown in the second quarter. Jordan Morgan, Green Bay's 2024 first-round draft pick, could also see time at right tackle.
Wilson filled in for Jacobs in Week 12 and rushed for 107 yards and two touchdowns on 28 carries. For the season, Wilson, 26, has rushed for 354 yards and three scores on 90 carries in 14 games.
Williams told reporters Wednesday that he sprained his MCL and considered himself day-to-day. Zayne Anderson took over for Williams and is a candidate to start if Williams can't go Saturday, though Green Bay could also move slot corner Javon Bullard to safety.
Watson, who left Sunday's loss after Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II landed on him while intercepting a pass, was taken to a hospital for tests but was cleared of any serious injury and may suit up Saturday.
LaFleur said it will depend on how the 26-year-old is able to manage the pain in his chest and shoulder and whether those areas affect his performance. Watson has 28 receptions for 481 yards and five TDs in eight games this season.
--Field Level Media
Get a daily dose of Chicago Chronicle news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Chicago Chronicle.
More InformationNEW YORK CITY, New York: U.S. stock markets may soon operate almost without pause, as Nasdaq prepares to take a formal step toward...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: As Americans head into the heart of the holiday shopping season, many say festive spending feels more stressful than...
BEIJING, China: China's economic momentum faded sharply in November, underscoring mounting concerns that the country is running out...
NEW YORK, New York - Wall Street closed lower on Wednesday, with losses across major U.S. benchmarks as investors retreated from equities,...
HEFEI, China: Volkswagen is trying to reinvent itself in the country that once powered its global success and where it is now fighting...
NEW YORK CITY, New York: Spanish infrastructure group Ferrovial is set to deepen its footprint in U.S. capital markets, becoming the...
BOSTON, Massachusetts: A third lawsuit, this one filed in a Massachusetts federal court by California and 19 other U.S. states, was...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: The Trump administration is defending its decision not to provide real-time American Sign Language interpretation...
(Photo credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images) Already without star defensive end Micah Parsons for the rest of the season, the Green Bay...
(Photo credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images) Denver has 12 consecutive home wins and the NFL's longest active win streak as the Broncos...
Tel Aviv [Israel], December 18 (ANI/TPS): A tiny viral switch discovered by Israeli and American scientists could open a new front...
(251218) -- CHICAGO, Dec. 18, 2025 (Xinhua) -- Cleveland Cavaliers' Donovan Mitchell (L) drives to the basket during the 2025-2026...
