GREEN BAY, Wis. – The Green Bay Packers’ 27-18 triumph over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday was a bittersweet moment for fans and players alike. While the team emerged victorious, the cost of the win was steep, with multiple key players added to an already concerning injury list. The physical toll of the game has left the locker room reeling, as the Packers face a grueling 13-week stretch without a bye to reach the playoffs.
Coming off their Week 5 bye, the Packers hoped to return healthier and stronger. Instead, they left the game significantly more battered. Three players—defensive end Lukas Van Ness, receiver Dontayvion Wicks, and nickel Javon Bullard—suffered injuries during the game, casting a shadow over the win.
Van Ness, who recorded the team’s only sack, sustained a foot injury that sidelined him for the second half. Coach Matt LaFleur reported that Van Ness is scheduled for an MRI, with initial assessments suggesting no fractures but significant discomfort. “We’ll have a better understanding of what’s going on tomorrow,” LaFleur said post-game.
Wicks, a key receiver, suffered an ankle injury in the first half. He returned briefly for one snap in the third quarter but was unable to continue. Meanwhile, Bullard, who had already missed time in Week 3 due to a concussion, left early in the third quarter for another concussion evaluation after a helmet-to-helmet collision with Bengals running back Chase Brown.
The return of right tackle Zach Tom and left guard Aaron Banks provided a boost to the offensive line, with both players completing every snap. However, Tom’s performance came at a personal cost. Battling an oblique injury sustained in Week 1 against Detroit, Tom admitted the pain was “manageable” but far from ideal. “It didn’t feel great,” he said, declining to quantify his pain level or comment on whether he should have sat out another week. Despite the discomfort, Tom allowed only two pressures, per Pro Football Focus, and his presence helped the Packers achieve their best rushing performance of the season.
Banks, also injured in Week 1, returned to bolster an offensive line that powered the team to 409 yards and five scores on eight possessions. Quarterback Jordan Love emphasized the importance of a healthy line: “Having those guys out there, I felt very comfortable. You could feel the difference.”
The injury woes extended beyond the active roster. Defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt (knee), kicker Brandon McManus (groin), and rookie offensive tackle Anthony Belton (ankle) were inactive for the game. Wyatt’s absence gave sixth-round rookie Warren Brinson his NFL debut, where he played 21 snaps and applied pressure despite no tackles.
McManus, who sustained his injury in practice, went through an extensive pregame workout and believed he could play. However, the team opted for caution. “They wanted to play it smart and safe,” McManus said. “It’s early in the season, and they didn’t want to make it more than a one-week type deal.” In his place, Lucas Havrisik stepped up, making all five kicks, including a critical field goal to seal the victory.
Despite the grim outlook, reinforcements may be nearing. The Packers recently opened 21-day return-to-play windows for receiver Christian Watson and lineman Jacob Monk. While Watson was ruled out for the Bengals game, Monk was listed as questionable, hinting at a potential return soon. Defensive end Brenton Cox, sidelined since Week 1 with a groin injury, also becomes eligible to return from injured reserve this week—a timely development given Van Ness’ uncertain status.
Other players on reserve lists include running back MarShawn Lloyd (hamstring), defensive end Collin Oliver (hamstring), and offensive lineman John Williams (back). Activating Watson and Monk would require roster adjustments, as the Packers currently carry a 52-man roster with Havrisik’s addition.
With no further bye weeks, the Packers face a daunting 13-game gauntlet to reach the postseason. Love underscored the challenge: “That’s going to be a big key going forward—trying to find ways to stay healthy and get our body back throughout the week because bye week’s gone, so we’re in it for the long haul now.”
As the team prepares for their upcoming game against the Arizona Cardinals, the focus will be on recovery and roster management. The injuries sustained against the Bengals have sent shockwaves through the locker room, but the Packers’ resilience and depth will be tested as they navigate this “catastrophic” blow to their roster.