The Green Bay Packers have ruled out cornerback Jaire Alexander, safety Zayne Anderson, tackle Andre Dillard, linebacker Quay Walker and safety Evan Williams and listed tackle Brenton Cox Jr. and receiver Christian Watson as questionable on the final injury report ahead of the Week 18 game against the Chicago Bears.
How will the injury situation affect Sunday’s final match of the season?
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the Packers’ final injury report heading into Week 18:
Exit (5)
CB Jaire Alexander (knee): Alexander is undergoing surgery on his injured knee and is expected to miss the rest of the season. Keisean Nixon, Eric Stokes and Carrington Valentine are the top three cornerbacks, especially if Javon Bullard plays safety as expected.
S. Zayne Anderson (concussion): He suffered a concussion last week in a game in Minnesota and did not practice this week. This week, the Packers will likely start rookie Javon Bullard alongside Xavier McKinney.
OT Andre Dillard (concussion): Dillard will miss another game after suffering a concussion in practice last week. The Packers should have Kadeem Telfort, Travis Glover and Jacob Monk as backup offensive players on Sunday.
LB Quay Walker (ankle): Walker will miss his third straight game with an ankle injury he suffered in Seattle. Will he be fit enough to play next week? Edgerrin Cooper, Isaiah McDuffie and Eric Wilson are the top three defensemen with Walker sidelined.
Sr. Evan Williams (fourth): Like Walker, Williams will miss a third straight game. The Packers were hopeful that Williams would return and start the postseason, so check back for his participation status next week. The support team needs him back.
Doubtful (2)
DL Brenton Cox Jr. (foot): His foot injury is a recent injury from the Minnesota loss and he hasn’t practiced all week, which suggests Cox likely has a chance to play on Sunday. As a newborn player, he needs repetitions. However, the Packers need him to play crucial snaps as an edge rusher in the postseason.
WR Christian Watson (knee): He returned to training on Friday with a restricted squad, retaining the option to play on Sunday. But why take the risk? The Packers will need Watson 100 percent next weekend. It would be a bit of a surprise if he played on Sunday.
No status indication
The Packers removed running back Chris Brooks, backup Javon Bullard, linebacker Josh Jacobs, left tackle Elgton Jenkins, tight end Tucker Kraft and defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt from the injury report. They will be able to play on Sunday. Wyatt returns from a concussion Sunday in Minnesota.
Bear injury report
The Bears ruled out starting cornerback Teven Jenkins, linebacker/returner Travis Homer and linebacker Elijah Hicks. Chicago will also miss left tackle Braxton Jones and reserve Jaquan Brisker, both injured reserves.
