Packers could be without Aaron Banks and 2 defensive mainstays vs. Jets

The Green Bay Packers are still licking their wounds after experiencing a full-blown collapse to the Minnesota Vikings in the season opener. However, they have a prime opportunity to bounce back when they play the New York Jets in Week 2.

Although the Jets are coming off an encouraging win in Week 1, a) it was against the lowly Tennessee Titans, and b they'll be without a handful of key players, including defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick. Then again, Green Bay probably won't have all hands on deck either.

Based on the final Week 2 injury report, the Packers could be without as many as four players when they play New York.

The Packers could be without Aaron Banks and Javon Hargrave, among others, in Week 2

The Packers posted their final Week 2 injury report Friday. They listed edge rusher Luka Van Ness (concussion), cornerback Benjamin St-Juste (hamstring), offensive guard Aaron Banks, and right guard Zach Bako-Bewelo (knee) as questionable.

Defensive tackle Javon Hargrave (concussion/knee) also popped up on the injury report. In his case, though, he was slapped with the doubtful designation. When you factor in that he didn't suit up for Friday's practice, it's highly unlikely that he'll play.

Defensive tackle Warren Brinson, for his part, has already been ruled out for the Jets game with a calf injury. With him out of the picture, rookie Chris McClellan and Anthony Campbell could see an uptick in playing time.

Backo-Bewelo appeared in the season opener despite the fact that he's still getting back to full strength from the knee injury he suffered late in 2025. Even though he's listed on the injury report, he'll most likely play. Banks, on the other hand, may miss the bout.

Banks didn't play against the Minnesota Vikings but practiced, albeit on a limited basis, ahead of the Jets game. It looks like the Packers want to bring him along slowly and won't plug him into the starting lineup until he's fully recovered. That means that either Donovan Jennings could make his second straight start at left guard or rookie Jager Burton will get the nod.

The Packers may miss Hargrave and Lukas Van Ness the most

Without Micah Parsons, the Packers have to lean on other players to bring the heat. Dani Dennis-Sutton and Lukas Van Ness have certainly risen to the occasion, but there's a chance that the latter won't suit against New York when you take into account that clearing the concussion protocol is always tricky. You can miss one game or several weeks, and if Van Ness is unavailable, Green Bay could have trouble getting after the quarterback.

Although Van Ness had a couple of costly penalties against Minnesota, he was also the team's best pass rusher, registering three total pressures and a sack. Compounding the issue is that Javon Hargrave could also miss the game. If both of them are unavailable, that could spell trouble for the Green Bay front seven. It will be up to the likes of Davonte Wyatt, Karl Brooks, and off-linebacker Edgerrin Copper to pick up the slack.

With Jordan Love leading the way, the Packers should have a realistic shot at earning their first win of the season. But injuries may make the matchup more difficult than it should be.

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