Packers injury updates ahead of divisional round vs. 49ers

There were a lot of injury updates from Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur when he spoke to reporters on Thursday, just a couple of days before his team hosts the San Francisco 49ers in the divisional round.

LaFleur said in the press conference that wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling would be listed as doubtful on the injury report, which means he’s unlikely to play. A big loss for the Packers on offense.

The status of All-Pro left tackle David Bakhtiari remains up in the air. He will be questionable on the injury report after not practicing on Thursday.

“I think Dave’s in really good shape,” LaFleur said. “He puts a lot of time in.”

LaFleur added “we’ll see where he’s at” nearer the game to determine whether he plays.

All-Pro cornerback Jaire Alexander has been practicing this week, but his status for Saturday is also unknown as he will be listed as questionable on the injury report, according to LaFleur.

The Packers could get two edge rushers back from injured reserve: Whitney Mercilus and Za’Darius Smith.

“He’s practiced all week,” LaFleur said about Mercilus. “If he’s able to go we would activate him tomorrow.” LaFleur gave a similar answer when asked about Za’Darius Smith.

Two players on offense — wide receiver Randall Cobb and right tackle Billy Turner — are expected to play versus the 49ers.

“Billy’s gonna be good to go,” LaFleur said.

So in summary, LaFleur told us that MVS is unlikely to play and that Turner will be good to go. But other than that, he wouldn’t give a detailed answer about the likelihood of Bakhtiari, Alexander, Smith, or Mercilus returning on Saturday night.

We’ll get a better idea tomorrow if the Packers activate Smith and Mercilus from injured reserve.

The Packers are getting healthier, but how many starters will they have back versus the 49ers?