Packers: Jamaal Williams unlikely to play vs. Lions in Week 17

Jamaal Williams isn’t likely to play in Week 17.

The Green Bay Packers have the chance to clinch a first-round bye against the Detroit Lions on Sunday, but they’ll likely have to do so without Jamaal Williams.

Williams exited last week’s game against the Minnesota Vikings with a shoulder injury, and he hasn’t practiced so far this week.

On Friday, head coach Matt LaFleur said the Packers will “probably hold him back this week”, which means we could see more from rookie Dexter Williams against the Lions. Perhaps Tyler Ervin, who had a role on offense last week, could get more carries.

Williams has been a perfect complement to Aaron Jones in the backfield this season. He’s had 107 attempts for 460 yards and a touchdown, along with 39 catches for 253 yards and five receiving touchdowns. He won’t be easy to replace in this game.

In the game Williams missed earlier in the season, which was against the Dallas Cowboys, Jones had 19 carries for 107 yards and four touchdowns. LaFleur opted for Tra Carson to take on the number two role ahead of Dexter Williams that week. Carson is currently a free agent. Coincidentally, he spent time with the Lions after being waived by the Packers.

The Packers drafted Dexter Williams in the sixth round back in April, but he only has three carries for two yards this season. He’s only played in three games. The rookie could end up with a big opportunity in Matt LaFleur’s offense this weekend.

Jamaal Williams hasn’t been officially ruled out of Sunday’s game just yet, but with LaFleur saying it’s unlikely he plays, there’s a chance he’ll be listed as out when the final injury report is released on Friday.

This is a huge game for the Packers as it could lead to the number one seed in the NFC, but they also won’t want to lose any key players to injury as they’ve already clinched a home playoff game.

Hopefully, Williams will be ready to go when the playoffs get underway.