The Green Bay Packers practiced for the first time this week, and the injury list on both sides of the ball was lengthy. The Packers have 14 players listed, at least eight of whom are starters.
The position of running back AJ Dillon did not practice for the Green Bay Packers on Wednesday. Aaron Jones made a brief reappearance.
AJ Dillon, who has taken on a heavy workload over the last three games while Aaron Jones has been out with a sprained MCL, did not practice Wednesday due to a thumb ailment. With Jones sidelined, he’s made the most of his starting spot, converting 53 touches into 246 scrimmage yards in the last three games.
He was hampered in practice last week due to a groin ailment, but his thumb injury was not recently revealed and will be watched until Sunday’s game.
While Dillon was unable to practice on Wednesday, Aaron Jones returned to the field in a limited capacity after being ruled out of the game against the New York Giants on Monday night. He rehearsed all week leading up to the game but wasn’t at ease enough to play. If Dillon’s thumb injury is more severe than expected, the Packers may have to rely on Jones even if he isn’t fully healthy.
Christian Watson did not practice Wednesday due to a hamstring issue he exacerbated two weeks ago against the Kansas City Chiefs. Due to the same hamstring issue, he missed the first three games of the season.
Watson was only getting acquainted with his new quarterback, Jordan Love. He had his greatest game against the Chiefs, catching 7 of his 9 targets for 71 yards and 2 scores before suffering an injury.
While Watson has not been ruled out for Sunday’s game, his prospects of returning are diminishing with each day he does not participate in practice. Rookie wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks also missed practice after suffering an ankle injury against the Giants on Monday that seems to be a high-ankle sprain.
Jayden Reed, who had a strong outing with Watson on the bench on Monday, practiced in a restricted capacity on Wednesday. Reed was being checked for a concussion following Monday’s game, but he was listed on the injury report with an ankle ailment. While a concussion is most likely ruled out, his ankle will be closely checked.
Four Green Bay Packers secondary players were added to the injury report on Wednesday.
Darnell Savage, who was activated from the injured reserve two weeks ago after suffering a calf injury in week five, could not practice Wednesday due to a shoulder problem. Savage was listed as questionable for Monday’s game in East Rutherford due to a chest issue, but he played and led the team in tackles. Savage will be watched closely during the practice week.
Jaire Alexander returned to practice in a limited capacity after missing Monday’s game due to a shoulder issue. Alexander has missed the last few games but is set to return this week.
Keisean Nixon and Jonathan Owens also had limited practice time on Wednesday. If anyone in the secondary is ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, expect Corey Ballentine to get extra snaps.
