Packers: Dean Lowry active, Alexander Mattison inactive in Week 16

Dean Lowry is active for the Green Bay Packers in Week 16.

Ahead of a huge Monday night game against the Minnesota Vikings, the Green Bay Packers are healthy.

Defensive tackle Dean Lowry was questionable to play this week, but he’s officially active, which is great news for the defense. Lowry made a game-changing interception last week against the Chicago Bears. Hopefully he can make another big play against the Vikings tonight.

The Vikings had already ruled out Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook earlier in the week, but backup Alexander Mattison is also inactive after being listed as questionable on the injury report on Saturday.

The Packers shouldn’t overlook the Vikings’ ground game, however, as Mike Boone ran in two touchdowns last week. He’ll take on a bigger role in this game.

There weren’t too many other surprises for the Packers. One interesting note is that they’ve again gone with Josh Jackson ahead of Tony Brown at cornerback. Rookies Ka’Dar Hollman, Dexter Williams and Jace Sternberger are all inactive again.

Green Bay can clinch the NFC North with a victory at U.S. Bank Stadium tonight, but it would be the team’s first victory in this stadium on the fourth attempt.

This time, though, the Packers are healthy. Aaron Rodgers broke his collarbone in the game here two years ago. The other two losses were by seven points or less.

Despite being 11-3, this team is yet to make a “statement” win, which is perhaps why they aren’t yet getting the same respect as the other top teams in the NFC. But if they can get the job done on the road in a tough environment tonight, many analysts will begin to add the Packers’ name to the list of serious Super Bowl contenders.

Victory is all that matters tonight, no matter how the Packers get over the line. They are healthy, and it’s great news that Lowry is active.