The Green Bay Packers are set to face the Minnesota Vikings in a game they must win to remain in the thick of the NFC North race. At 6-3, the Packers could move ahead of Minnesota in the division rankings if they come out on top.
However, the task became substantially tougher when the Vikes traded for Kirk Cousins. Compounding the issue is that Green Bay could be without a handful of key players.
The Packers listed Xavier McKinney and Kevin Zeitler as questionable
The Packers posted their final injury report for Week 10. Offensive guard Kevin Zeitler (ankle/triceps), safety Xavier McKinney (foot), edge rusher Lukas Van Ness (back), Javon Bullard (ankle/knee), wide receiver Skyy Moore (ankle), and running back Chris Moore (ankle) had the questionable designation.
Xavier McKinney is questionable for Sunday’s matchup against the Vikings.
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) November 13, 2026
Full injury report ⤵️
Now, just because they popped up on the injury report doesn't mean that they won't be available against the Vikings. That said, not having McKinney would be a huge blow. If the All-Pro safety isn't good to go, Kitan Oladapo may get the starting nod next to Evan Williams.
Oladapo logged 14 defensive snaps in the win over the New England Patriots when Evan Williams briefly left the bout. He has played a total of 28 snaps at safety that year, so you can bet Kirk Cousins could try to target him.
The silver lining is that defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon has done a good job of game-planning for Kirk throughout his coaching career, so he should have a trick or two prepared to stop the Minnesota offense.
On the other hand, Green Bay should be able to withstand Zeitler's absence if he isn't good to go. If the veteran hog molly doesn't suit up, the Packers can easily plug in Laken Tomlinson at right guard and Aaron Banks on the left side. Granted, that's the lineup they've employed the past two games.
Then again, the expectation was that after Zeitler made his debut against New England, he would see an uptick in playing time and possibly start at right guard. However, it looks like the coaching staff will have to halt the plan, as injuries have prevented him from hitting his stride since landing in Titletown in late September.
Jordan Love gives the Packers the best chance to beat the VIkings
Whether Kevin Zeitler starts or not, the Green Bay offensive line will be in good shape in Week 10. And that's the thing, if the Packers want to have a shot at beating Minnesota, they will need to keep Jordan Love upright.
The Vikes have the top-ranked defense in the NFL. Sure, their run defense is 22nd in yards allowed, but can you truly trust Green Bay's underwhelming rushing attack to move the football? That means that it will be up to Love to put the team on his shoulders, and having a clean pocket will most definitely help.
If defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon and his unit, with or without Xavier McKinney, can generate enough stops and give the offense a couple extra possessions, the Packers should be able to earn their seventh win of the season.
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