Packers coach Matt LaFleur gives final injury update before facing Bears
Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur said some key players, including Josh Jacobs, will be given until game time before a decision if they play.
GREEN BAY – The Green Bay Packers are putting in their final preparations before facing the Chicago Bears on Dec. 20 at Soldier Field.
The team has been battling several injuries with many key starters missing practice this week.
Here’s the latest from practice:
Christian Watson injury update
Packers coach Matt LaFleur said Christian Watson looked “encouraging” at practice. He’s practiced for two straight days after dropping out of the loss to the Denver Broncos with injuries to his chest and shoulder. Watson’s tests were clean and it would be a matter of pain tolerance and ease of body movement that would determine his status.
Watson said his shoulder already is feeling better and that he intends to play in Chicago.
“Obviously, I’ve got to make sure that they clear me in the medical room and everything, and make sure everything’s good,” Watson told reporters Dec. 17. “But my goal is just to have a couple good days leading up to the game, and hopefully it feels a little better every day. We’re at a point in the season where we’ve got to fight through some stuff, so it should be good.”
Josh Jacobs injury update
Packers running back Josh Jacobs missed practice all week as he’s battling a knee injury. LaFleur said they’ll wait until game day to make a decision.
Last week, Jacobs missed the first two days of practice and returned on the final day. He re-injured his knee taking a hit early against the Broncos but played the entire game, scoring on a 40-yard run and 14-yard catch.
Jacobs told reporters he intends to play against the Bears.
Jayden Reed injury update
Packers receiver Jayden Reed was back at practice after missing Dec. 17 because of a personal matter.
Evan Williams injury update
Packers safety Evan Williams was held out of practice all week after injuring his knee in the Denver game.
Williams, who was injured on the same play Micah Parsons got hurt, will be given all week to see if he can play against the Bears. He told reporters it was a sprained MCL and is day-to-day.
“I’m just taking it slow,” Williams said. “I’m seeing improvements day-to-day for sure and how I’m responding. Taking it slow.”
Zach Tom injury update
Packers right tackle Zach Tom missed practice all week, leaving his game status in question.
Tom left in the second quarter against the Broncos after injuring his right knee while pass blocking on Jacobs’ receiving touchdown. He told PackersNews after the game there didn’t appear to be any structural damage.
Josh Whyle injury update
Packers tight end Josh Whyle was held out of practice again.
Whyle left the game against the Broncos on the Packers’ first drive with a concussion.
He took a big hit from the Broncos safety Talanoa Hufanga while lead blocking on a run play for Jacobs.
Kingsley Enagbare injury update
Packers defensive end Kingsley Enagbare wasn’t spotted during Dec. 18 practice.
The media is allowed only 15 minutes of access during the pre-practice stretch.
Enagbare hasn’t been on the injury report.
Lukas Van Ness injury update
Packers defensive end Lukas Van Ness practiced all week, a promising sign he’ll be good to go against the Bears.
Van Ness, who would’ve been estimated as a non-participant Dec. 16, is still battling a foot injury but played against the Broncos and had two solo tackles on 22 snaps.
Dontayvion Wicks injury update
Packers receiver Dontavyion Wicks, who’s dealing with an ankle injury, practiced all week.
Wicks played 28 snaps in the Denver game and had one reception for six yards.
Updates on Brenton Cox Jr., Collin Oliver, John Williams and MarShawn Lloyd
Brenton Cox Jr. and Collin Oliver participated in practice. Their practice windows opened Dec. 1.
Rookie offensive lineman John Williams returned to practice Dec. 17, officially opening his practice window. He can get three weeks of practice in after missing camp and the season with a back injury.
When the Packers put edge rusher Micah Parsons on injured reserve Dec. 17, they also activated running back MarShawn Lloyd from injured reserve to the 53-man roster.
By putting Lloyd on the 53-man roster, the Packers can put him back on injured reserve with the possibility of activating him after four games. Lloyd suffered a hamstring pull during his 21-day practice window for a potential return that began Dec. 1.
(This story will be updated following the team’s injury report.)
