GREEN BAY – The Green Bay Packers are grappling with a significant injury crisis just hours before their pivotal Week 2 matchup against the Washington Commanders on Thursday night. The team has ruled out two players and listed five others as questionable, casting uncertainty over their lineup for this crucial early-season game.
The Packers have officially ruled out defensive lineman Brenton Cox Jr. (groin) and cornerback Bo Melton (shoulder), both of whom will miss the contest. Meanwhile, five players are listed as questionable: cornerback Nate Hobbs (knee), right tackle Zach Tom (oblique), left guard Aaron Banks (ankle/groin), safety Zayne Anderson (knee), and defensive lineman Micah Parsons (back).
Nate Hobbs, who underwent a knee procedure early in training camp, returned to practice last week but was unable to play in the Packers’ Week 1 victory over the Detroit Lions. His status remains uncertain for Thursday. Similarly, offensive linemen Zach Tom and Aaron Banks, both critical starters, exited the second half of the 27-13 win over Detroit and did not return. Both were listed as non-participants in practice estimates this week, but Head Coach Matt LaFleur remains cautiously optimistic about their availability.
“Yeah, we’ll see,” LaFleur said on Tuesday. “Certainly, two guys that have a lot of experience, so I’m not as concerned about them. We’re walking through, but there’s no live reps this week. We’ll just see where we’re at.”
With Tom and Banks’ status in doubt, the Packers are preparing contingency plans. Former first-round pick Jordan Morgan stepped in at left guard for Banks during the Detroit game, while recently acquired offensive lineman Darian Kinnard filled in at right tackle for Tom. Kinnard, a 6-foot-5, 322-pound lineman acquired last month in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles, has limited NFL experience with only one career start since being drafted by Kansas City in 2022. Despite his limited role, Kinnard expressed readiness for the challenge.
“I just approach it like every week,” Kinnard said. “Just approach it like I’m ready to play in the game – any point, any moment. Whatever happens, happens.”
Defensive lineman Micah Parsons, who played 29 snaps in his Packers debut against the Lions, was estimated as a limited participant in practice this week due to a back issue. His availability for Thursday remains uncertain, adding to the team’s defensive concerns.
Not all news is grim for Green Bay. Linebacker Quay Walker, who was dealing with a quadricep injury, progressed from a non-participant on Monday to full participation by Wednesday, signaling his likely availability. Other players expected to be available include receiver Jayden Reed (foot), quarterback Jordan Love (left thumb), receiver Matthew Golden (ankle), defensive lineman Barryn Sorrell (knee), punter Daniel Whelan (right knee), and receiver Dontayvion Wicks (calf).
The Washington Commanders are not without their own injury concerns. They have listed punter Tress Way (back) and defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr. (knee) as questionable. However, key players such as quarterback Jayden Daniels (right wrist), running back Austin Ekeler (shoulder), receiver Noah Brown (knee), tight end John Bates (shoulder), and defensive tackle Daron Payne (calf/not injury related) are expected to be available.
As the Packers prepare for this critical Thursday night showdown, their depth and adaptability will be put to the test. With two players already ruled out and five others in doubt, Green Bay’s coaching staff and players must navigate this early-season crisis to maintain their momentum after a strong Week 1 performance. The outcome of this game could set the tone for the rest of their season, making every decision—and every snap—crucial.
