The Green Bay Packers returned rookie defensive back Javon Bullard to the field on Thursday, but without receiver Christian Watson, who began on-field preparations for their Week 17 game against the Minnesota Vikings, according to Wes Hodkiewicz from the band’s official website.
Bullard, who played safety and outfield, missed the last two games after suffering an ankle injury against the Detroit Lions on Dec. 5. Watson suffered a knee injury in Monday’s game against the New Orleans Saints, but avoided a earnest injury.
The Packers also were without rookie Evan Williams, who suffered a quad injury in last Saturday’s practice and did not play against the Saints, and linebacker Quay Walker, who also did not play against the Saints after suffering an ankle injury during the Packers’ Dec. 15 victory over the Seattle Seahawks. Freshman Ty’Ron Hopper suffered an ankle injury on Monday night and was not available for Thursday’s practice.
On Wednesday, Watson, Williams, Walker and Hopper were ruled out of the game, although the Packers did not practice. In the compact week after Monday’s game, all four may have a strenuous time playing on Sunday against the Vikings.
While Bullard’s potential return could assist alleviate the loss of Williams at safety, Watson and his menacing speed would be missed against a stingy Vikings defense. In the first game in September, Watson was injured in the first half and did not play most of the final three quarters.
Linebacker Jaire Alexander also appeared on the field for the Packers on Thursday. He has been lively in practice over the past two weeks, but has not returned to action since playing just 10 snaps in the Week 11 win over the Bears. Alexander is trying to come back from a knee ligament injury he suffered in delayed October.
The Packers will release an updated health report Thursday afternoon and a final health report on Friday before Sunday’s game against the Vikings at US Bank Stadium.
