The Green Bay Packers held their final practice of the week before they take on the Minnesota Vikings in a Week 17 battle between two of the NFC’s best teams. Green Bay, at 11-4, have already clinched a spot in the NFL Playoffs. So too has Minnesota, though at 13-2 they are still in the running for the top seed in the NFC and the NFC North crown.
While the Packers can no longer compete for the NFC North title, they can improve their seeding in the postseason should they beat the Vikings on Sunday, the Chicago Bears next week, and if Minnesota loses to the Detroit Lions in Week 18.
Unfortunately, it appears that Green Bay will be without four or more of their best players come Sunday.
The Green Bay Packers List Four Players as Out for the Game Against the Minnesota Vikings
On Friday edition of the Packers injury report, four players have already been ruled out due to injury:
- Jaire Alexander (knee)
- Quay Walker (ankle)
- Evan Williams (Quadricep)
- Andre Dillard (concussion)
The presence of Alexander on this list is not too surprising, but has garnered a great deal of heat from fans on social media. It is important to remember, though, that the two-time Pro Bowl cornerback is coming off of a torn PCL, and how long an injury can take to heal is an inexact science.
Clearly, Green Bay’s biggest priority is getting him as healthy as possible before the postseason begins.
The Green Bay Packers List Three Players as Questionable Against the Minnesota Vikings
In addition to the four aforementioned players being listed as out, the Packers have also listed the following players as questionable:
- Christian Watson (knee)
- Javon Bullard (ankle)
- Ty’Ron Hopper (ankle)
Watson did not practice all week after suffering a bruise on or in his knee in Green Bay’s 34-0 victory over the New Orleans Saints. However, Matt LaFleur recently said that he will give Watson up until the day of the game to decide whether or not he feels he will be able to play.
Bullard returned to practice for the first time in multiple weeks after suffering his ankle injury. He was a limited participant all week.
Hopper has not played much this year even when healthy.
Other players that were on the injury report earlier in the week that will definitely play on Sunday against the Vikings are:
- Elgton Jenkins (knee)
- Tucker Kraft (hip)
- Luke Musgrave (ankle)
- Corey Ballentine (knee)
The only player the Vikings have listed as out on their injury report is cornerback Fabian Moreau.
