Jaire Alexander, Christian Watson, Quay Walker, and Evan Williams are among the Green Bay Packers' inactive players in Week 17 against the Minnesota Vikings. There is good news, though, as rookie safety Javon Bullard returns from injury.
The Packers have a few things working against them this week.
While it's always a big deal when the Packers take on the Minnesota Vikings, Matt LaFleur's team has less urgency to win this game than their opponents. Minnesota is still competing for the NFC North title and No. 1 seed, while Green Bay already knows it will end up with the No. 5, 6, or 7 seed.
LaFleur will undoubtedly have his team ready to play, but that brings us to the second concern. The Packers are without several key players, including Jaire Alexander and Evan Williams, which is less than ideal ahead of a matchup against Justin Jefferson and the Vikings' excellent passing offense.
The Packers are also playing on a short week coming off their Monday Night Football win. It's not the recipe for success, but LaFleur's team must overcome it to get an important divisional victory on Sunday afternoon.
Losing could cost Green Bay, as it would end any remaining hopes of clinching the No. 5 seed while giving the Washington Commanders the opportunity to take the No. 6 spot. That could demote the Packers to No. 7, where they could play the Philadelphia Eagles in the first round.
Full inactives list for Packers in Week 17
Player | Position | Injury |
|---|---|---|
Jaire Alexander | CB | Knee |
Omar Brown | S | Healthy Scratch |
Andre Dillard | T | Concussion |
Quay Walker | LB | Ankle |
Christian Watson | WR | Knee |
Evan Williams | S | Quadricep |
Jaire Alexander, Quay Walker, Christian Watson, and Evan Williams are out, but the Packers get Javon Bullard back at a key moment.
The most important thing for the Packers is getting healthy for the playoffs. There's a good chance that many of their injured players will be ready for the wild-card round, and it makes sense to have some caution in the meantime.
However, it doesn't help them much this week in a crucial divisional game with playoff seeding on the line. The outcome of this game could end up being the difference between clinching the No. 5 seed or the No. 7 position. It's potentially that important.
Full inactives list for Vikings in Week 17
Player | Position | Injury |
|---|---|---|
Fabian Moreau | CB | Hip |
Levi Drake Rodriguez | DE | Healthy Scratch |
Dan Feeney | G | Healthy Scratch |
Walter Rouse | T | Healthy Scratch |
Brett Rypien | QB | Emergency 3rd QB |
While the Vikings have ruled out Moreau, they don't have too many other injury concerns entering Week 17. That bodes well for Kevin O'Connell's team in their push for the NFC's top seed and NFC North title.