The Green Bay Packers' challenge against the Philadelphia Eagles just became significantly more difficult.
Along with missing star tight end Tucker Kraft, who suffered a season-ending knee injury last week, the Packers will be without rookie wide receiver Matthew Golden. Green Bay's first-round pick suffered a shoulder injury against the Carolina Panthers last week, and while the injury isn't considered a long-term concern, he will sit out of Monday Night Football.
The Packers face a long injury list at the wide receiver position, but they will have Dontayvion Wicks and Savion Williams available. Wicks has missed time with a calf injury, while Williams has dealt with a foot problem. How close they are to 100 percent remains to be seen, but that's good news. Starting right tackle Zach Tom is also active.
Matthew Golden among the Packers' inactives for MNF vs. Eagles
Here is Green Bay's full list of inactives for the game:
- WR Matthew Golden
- CB Nate Hobbs
- K Lucas Havrisik
- OL Jacob Monk
- OL Donovan Jennings
- DL Lukas Van Ness
Losing Golden is tough for the offense. While he hasn't earned the consistent targets many expected, he makes plays when called upon. Matt LaFleur said this week that it's "just a matter of time" before he has a breakout game, but it won't happen on MNF.
The good news is that Christian Watson, Malik Heath, Wicks, and Williams will all play despite featuring on the injury report. Watson may continue to play on a snap count as he is eased back into action.
Defensively, Green Bay will again miss Nate Hobbs and Lukas Van Ness. It becomes even more important for Micah Parsons to enjoy a bounce-back game after being surprisingly quiet against the Panthers last week.
Both teams will have to adjust to difficult conditions tonight, with the kickoff temperature expected to hit around 28 degrees. There could even be some snow in the air. While Green Bay is at home, the colder weather could actually suit Philadelphia, whose strong offensive line and rushing attack are built for these conditions. The Packers have struggled to run block this season.