Christian Watson is back for the Green Bay Packers, but several starters are out in Week 18 against the Chicago Bears.
Matt LaFleur made it clear that he will play his starters in Week 18 but won't take any unnecessary risks with injured players. It's hardly surprising, then, that several key players are missing from the Packers' lineup against the Bears.
With little to play for, LaFleur is taking the right approach. Allow the healthy players to attempt to bounce back from last week's loss and build momentum for the playoffs while giving others the necessary time to get healthy for the biggest game of the season next week.
On Friday, the Packers ruled out Jaire Alexander (who is likely done for the year), Zayne Anderson, Andre Dillard, Quay Walker, and Evan Williams. They will also miss Romeo Doubs due to illness and Brenton Cox Jr. due to a foot injury.
Although he is healthy, Josh Jacobs doesn't expect to play too many snaps — something to note if your fantasy season extends to Week 18. Beyond that, the Packers are expected to play their starters and push to finish with a 12-5 record, even if it won't improve their NFC North position. It could, however, boost their playoff seeding with some help from the Dallas Cowboys.
Full inactives list for Packers in Week 18
Player | Position | Injury |
|---|---|---|
Zayne Anderson | S | Concussion |
Brenton Cox Jr. | DL | Foot |
Andre Dillard | T | Concussion |
Romeo Doubs | WR | Illness |
Quay Walker | LB | Ankle |
Evan Williams | S | Quadricep |
The Packers get Christian Watson back for this game, although Romeo Doubs, who was a late addition to the injury report due to illness, will not play. One has to imagine the Packers have one eye on next week's playoffs when it comes to rushing players back from injury.
Full inactives list for Bears in Week 18
Player | Position | Injury |
|---|---|---|
Elijah Hicks | S | Ankle/Foot |
Travis Homer | RB | Hamstring |
Teven Jenkins | T | Calf |
Ameer Speed | DB | Healthy Scratch |
Noah Sewell | LB | Healthy Scratch |
Zacch Pickens | DL | Healthy Scratch |
The Bears will aim to finish a disappointing season on a positive note. A win would not only end their 10-game losing run, but snap an 11-game winless stretch against the Packers. Green Bay is the only team with something playoff-related to play for, although a potential improvement from the No. 7 to 6 seed is hardly too exciting, especially as it's out of the team's control.
But it's still Packers-Bears, and that's a game always worth winning.