The Green Bay Packers are about as healthy as they could hope for entering Week 16. Matt LaFleur's team is missing players like every team, but they are in good shape ahead of the final three games.
Let's start with the bad news. The Packers have ruled out safeties Javon Bullard and Evan Williams and linebacker Quay Walker, while head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed that rookie offensive lineman Jordan Morgan won't return this season. The Packers also won't have Jaire Alexander for another game, despite practicing in full all week.
However, Luke Musgrave will return tonight, and the Packers could get running back MarShawn Lloyd back before the end of the season.
The New Orleans Saints are without several key players, including quarterback Derek Carr, running back Alvin Kamara, and wide receiver Chris Olave. It makes their task of upsetting the Packers on Monday Night Football far more challenging.
Full inactives list for Packers in Week 16
Player | Position | Injury |
|---|---|---|
Jaire Alexander | CB | Knee |
Javon Bullard | S | Ankle |
Malik Heath | WR | Healthy Scratch |
Jacob Monk | OL | Healthy Scratch |
Quay Walker | LB | Ankle |
Evan Williams | S | Quadricep |
It's bizarre that Alexander is missing another game despite practicing in full all week. He clearly isn't 100 percent, and the Packers are being cautious, but it's now his eighth missed game of the season and the 18th since the start of 2023.
Williams suffered a quadricep injury during practice and is inactive. That's another tough loss for the Packers' secondary.
The Packers unsurprisingly ruled out Bullard and Walker, who didn't practice all week. Neither injury is expected to be season-ending, but it's unclear when either player will return. Hopefully, they will be ready to go when the playoffs begin.
Full inactives list for Saints in Week 16
Player | Position | Injury |
|---|---|---|
Khristian Boyd | DL | Healthy Scratch |
Derek Carr | QB | Left Hand |
Alvin Kamara | RB | Groin |
Chris Olave | WR | Head |
Nathan Shepherd | DE | Eye |
Marquez Valdes-Scantling | WR | Illness/Back |
The Saints are without arguably their three most important offensive players, which makes a tough task even more daunting against Jeff Hafley's defense. It's over to backup quarterback Spencer Rattler to lead New Orleans to its fourth win in its past six games.
New Orleans also misses former Packers wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling for this game. He is officially inactive.