The Green Bay Packers will be without four players for Thursday night’s game against the Detroit Lions, including two starters on defense, a starting receiver and a starting special teams player.
Matt LaFleur’s team ruled out cornerback Jaire Alexander, receiver Romeo Doubs, defensive lineman Edgerrin Cooper and cornerback Corey Ballentine in Week 14.
Alexander is still recovering from a flare-up of a knee ligament injury he suffered in delayed October. He will miss a third straight game but could return after an extended recovery next Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks, although it is worth noting that he did not participate in Wednesday’s practice.
Doubs suffered a concussion against the San Francisco 49ers and will miss a second straight game. As of Tuesday afternoon, he was still in the concussion protocol. Doubs practiced with a confined squad on Wednesday.
Cooper and Ballentine did not practice this week. Cooper will miss a third straight game with a hamstring injury, while Ballentine suffered a knee injury in the first game last Thursday against the Miami Dolphins.
The Lions ruled out left guard Taylor Decker, defensive lineman Levi Onwuzurike, linebacker Josh Paschal and defensive lineman DJ Reader.
The Packers and Lions will play their third game in 12 days. Injuries – and a lack of recovery time between games – are weighing on a key NFC North clash.
