Packers close to full strength in season opener vs. Bears

The Green Bay Packers are close to full strength ahead of Thursday’s season opener against the Chicago Bears.

Despite the Packers‘ long injury report, only two players have been ruled out of Thursday’s game against the Bears: linebacker Oren Burks and wide receiver Darrius Shepherd.

Neither comes as a surprise. Burks has been out since the preseason opener and was always expected to miss the start of the season. Shepherd is sidelined with a hamstring injury, and the decision to promote receiver Allen Lazard to the 53-man roster earlier this week was a sign Shepherd might not be ready to go in Week 1.

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The only other player who could miss the game is rookie cornerback Ka’Dar Hollman, who is questionable with a neck injury. Hollman was limited at practice all week.

But everyone else on the injury report is ready to go. And with the exception of Kevin King and Tramon Williams, who were listed as limited participants on Wednesday, every other player on the injury report practiced in full.

The Bears could be without tight end Trey Burton, offensive lineman Rashaad Coward and defensive tackle Bilal Nichols. All three players were limited at practice on Wednesday and are questionable to play on Thursday night.

Injuries are inevitable, but the Packers haven’t had too many season-ending injuries yet. They have lost wide receiver Equanimeous St. Brown for the year, and linebacker Curtis Bolton and tight end Jace Sternberger are also on injured reserve.

Burks is the only starter ruled out of the season opener, but his injury wasn’t serious enough to be placed on injured reserve.

The Packers will need to be at their best to have a chance of leaving Soldier Field with a victory in the NFL’s regular season opener. Entering the game almost fully healthy certainly helps.