Help is on the way for the Green Bay Packers, and just in time for not one, but two huge games against the Chicago Bears.
Jayden Reed is the biggest name to watch. He hasn't played since Week 2 due to a broken collarbone, and he underwent double surgery to fix that injury and a foot issue. The Packers reportedly viewed either Thanksgiving or the Week 14 game against the Bears as a potential return window, and everything appears to be on track.
The Packers opened Reed's 21-day window to return from injured reserve on November 21. Speaking on Monday, Packers coach Matt LaFleur gave his classic coachspeak non-answer, but provided some insight into Reed's status.
"The plan is to see where he's at at the end of the week and if he's good to go," LaFleur said. "He has got to get cleared first. I know he's back to practicing, but he's ultimately got to be cleared to go out there and play a game."
Despite LaFleur playing it down, there seems to be a good chance the Packers will have Reed available in Week 14.
Jayden Reed isn't the only Packers player who could return this week against the Bears
Matthew Golden, WR
LaFleur's response when asked if Matthew Golden could return against the Bears: "Potentially, yeah."
"Yeah, it's been tough because he has been an explosive playmaker," LaFleur said about missing Golden. "His ability to be tough-minded, just mentally and physically tough, will allow him to overcome whatever challenges or adversity he's faced."
The Packers' first-round rookie has only played 19 snaps, all against the New York Giants, since Week 9 due to shoulder and wrist injuries. But Golden has continued to practice and has a shot to return this week.
While Christian Watson's breakout, Romeo Doubs' reliability, Reed's return, and Dontayvion Wicks coming off a big game could limit Golden's opportunities, he would give the Packers another big-time threat in the passing game. LaFleur needs to get his rookie receiver going.
Quay Walker, LB
The Packers will need a big performance from their linebackers to limit Chicago's dominant rushing attack. As expected, Edgerrin Cooper eliminated Jahmyr Gibbs in Week 13, and Isaiah McDuffie also delivered a strong performance.
Quay Walker could join them this week. He has the speed and athleticism they will need against a Ben Johnson offense that can stretch you horizontally with the illusion of complexity. Walker's tackling will make a difference, too.
He has missed the past two games due to a stinger. But after returning to practice last week, Walker is trending in the right direction for this game.
Nate Hobbs, CB
Nate Hobbs has struggled in coverage this season, but his ability as a run defender could make his potential return so valuable in this game.
Ryan Wood of the Green Bay Press-Gazette reported on November 4 that Hobbs would miss at least two games due to a sprained MCL. The injury has now cost him four games, but like Walker, his practice status is a positive indication. Hobbs returned to the practice in a limited fashion last week, and now five weeks removed from the injury, he could have a shot at returning in Week 14.
MarShawn Lloyd, RB
Don't expect to see MarShawn Lloyd out there this week, but he has a shot to return in time for the rematch in Chicago two weeks from now. Green Bay's second-year running back is finally nearing a return from a preseason hamstring injury.
The Packers opened Lloyd's 21-day return window this week, a significant step in the right direction. LaFleur hasn't ruled out Lloyd for Week 14 yet, so time will tell whether he has a chance to play on Sunday.
Green Bay may want to ramp up his practice reps before he makes his regular-season return, but if not this week, Lloyd will have a chance to return either next week in Denver or for the highly anticipated rematch with the Bears in Week 16.