GREEN BAY, Wis. – As the Green Bay Packers gear up for a pivotal home showdown against the Chicago Bears on Sunday, Thursday’s injury report brought a mix of concerns and optimism. While there was one notable setback, four key players showed significant progress, offering a boost to the team’s preparations for this crucial NFC North clash.
The lone piece of bad news centered on defensive back Javon Bullard, the Packers’ rising nickel defender. Bullard, who has been battling an ankle injury, was limited in Wednesday’s practice but did not participate at all on Thursday. This development raises questions about his availability for the game, especially given his importance to the defense.
Despite the standard stats not fully capturing his impact—85 tackles and one pass breakup in 15 games last year, compared to 56 tackles and two breakups in 12 games this season—Bullard has emerged as a vital cog in the Packers’ secondary. Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley praised him, saying, “I think Bull is one of our most valuable players.” Playing primarily in the slot, Bullard has been stingy in coverage, allowing just 6.5 yards per reception per Pro Football Focus (PFF), with a long of 19 yards. Over the last five games, he’s surrendered a mere 40 yards total, a stark improvement from last year’s 10.5 yards per catch.
“Honestly just doing my job, man,” Bullard said last week. “To be honest with you, I ain’t doing nothing special. Just doing my job and that year of experience is telling me a lot and really just dialing in, like I said, being comfortable with my job. Knowing the ins and outs of what everybody else is doing. Just that knowledge of our defense now has helped me out a lot.”
Bullard was one of four Packers who did not practice on Thursday, joining defensive end Lukas Van Ness (foot), receiver Savion Williams (foot), and defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt (ankle). Van Ness, sidelined for six of the last seven games, appears likely to miss another after a brief six-snap return against the Vikings. Williams, a reliable kickoff returner, was inactive against Detroit due to his foot issue. Wyatt’s season-ending ankle injury from last week’s game against the Lions is a major blow, with the team expected to place him on injured reserve soon. It’s a loss comparable to the offense’s absence of tight end Tucker Kraft.
“We got to build up our younger guys,” defensive end Micah Parsons said. “(Nazir) Stackhouse, (Warren) Brinson, they got to step up for us in a major way and fast, so we’re just pouring into our young guys to try to get them (acclimated) to what they’re going to face in a game and, so far, they’ve been doing a great job.”
On the brighter side, four players made encouraging strides. Linebackers Edgerrin Cooper (shoulder) and Quay Walker (neck), along with defensive end Barryn Sorrell (ankle), upgraded from limited participation on Wednesday to full on Thursday. Walker, the team’s leading tackler, looks set to return after missing the last two games, which would reunite him with Cooper and Isaiah McDuffie in the base defense—a timely reinforcement against Chicago’s potent rushing attack.
Additionally, quarterback Jordan Love practiced without the wrap on his left thumb, signaling further recovery and adding to the positive momentum.
Four players inactive for the Thanksgiving win over Detroit—Walker, defensive tackle Karl Brooks (ankle), receiver Matthew Golden (wrist), and cornerback Nate Hobbs (knee)—remained limited on Thursday. If Bullard can’t go, Hobbs could step back into the lineup after missing the last four games. “We’ll see where he finishes this week, but we’re going to need him,” Hafley said. “He’s a guy we were counting on coming into the season and he’s really been injured for a major part of the year, but we’re going to need him down this stretch. But I like where he’s at.”
Brooks, limited to four snaps over the last three games, is poised to fill Wyatt’s role. Receiver Jayden Reed, still on injured reserve with foot and shoulder issues, was limited again but took another step toward activation. Reed expressed confidence in quickly regaining his rhythm with Love, calling it “like riding a bike.” Last season, among receivers targeted at least 50 times, he led the league with a 137.5 passer rating when targeted and ranked tied for sixth with 7.1 yards after catch per reception. “It just comes naturally,” he said. “He’s had a lot of chemistry with us over the past few years, so I don’t really think it’s much of a drop-off.”
Three players on injured reserve who returned to practice this week—defensive ends Brenton Cox (groin) and Collin Oliver (hamstring), plus running back MarShawn Lloyd (calf)—participated again on Thursday.
Shifting to the Bears’ side, rookie running back Kyle Monangai (ankle) improved from non-participation on Wednesday to limited on Thursday, while veteran linebacker T.J. Edwards (hand/hamstring) was also limited after playing just five games this season. However, receiver Rome Odunze (foot) and cornerback Tyrique Stevenson (hip) did not practice. Linebacker Ruben Hyppolite II (shoulder) and left guard Joe Thuney (rest) also sat out.
Full participants for Chicago included defensive tackle Andrew Billings (concussion), cornerback Jaylon Johnson (groin), defensive lineman Dominique Robinson (concussion), and linebacker Noah Sewell (elbow).
Packers Thursday Injury Report
- Did not participate: S Javon Bullard (ankle), DE Lukas Van Ness (foot), WR Savion Williams (foot), DT Devonte Wyatt (ankle).
- Limited participation: DT Karl Brooks (ankle), DE Brenton Cox (groin), WR Matthew Golden (wrist), CB Nate Hobbs (knee), RB Josh Jacobs (knee), RB MarShawn Lloyd (calf), DE Collin Oliver (hamstring), WR Jayden Reed (foot/shoulder), RT Zach Tom (back), WR Dontayvion Wicks (ankle).
- Full participation: LB Edgerrin Cooper (shoulder), QB Jordan Love (left shoulder), DE Barryn Sorrell (ankle), LB Quay Walker (neck).
Bears Thursday Injury Report
- Did not participate: LB Ruben Hyppolite II (shoulder), WR Rome Odunze (foot), CB Tyrique Stevenson (hip), LG Joe Thuney (rest).
- Limited: LB T.J. Edwards (hand/hamstring), RB Kyle Monangai (ankle).
- Full: DT Andrew Billings (concussion), CB Jaylon Johnson (groin), DL Dominique Robinson (concussion), LB Noah Sewell (elbow).
With the playoffs looming, these updates could shape the outcome of Sunday’s game. The Packers will aim to capitalize on their defensive reinforcements while navigating the absences, as they look to secure a strong position in the NFC standings. Stay tuned for Friday’s final injury designations.