While the Green Bay Packers were hoping to have a full array of offensive weapons for their rivalry game against the Chicago Bears on Sunday, they may be missing a vital piece in the run game after missing another day of practice.
Green Bay Packers running back AJ Dillon did not practice on Thursday.
AJ Dillon, who has been suffering with various injuries all season, missed his second straight practice on Thursday due to a thumb and neck problem.
Dillon has played through the pain of his thumb injury, appearing in Green Bay’s previous two games and taking his usual snaps behind Aaron Jones. Dillon was hauled out of Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings early due to a neck pain and was not seen again for the duration of the game.
With Dillon not seeing any on-field action this week, he may be heading in the wrong direction when the regular season comes to a close. Dillon will have one more opportunity to participate in practice before the Packers make an official decision on his status.
Jayden Reed, a rookie wide receiver, participated in Thursday’s practice and is expected to play against the Chicago Bears.
Jayden Reed, who missed Sunday’s game against the Vikings due to a re-aggravated chest issue, took part in Thursday’s practice. After being removed from the game, Reed had six catches for 89 yards and two scores.
With Christian Watson out with an injury for the past two weeks, Reed has stepped up as Jordan Love’s prime target, breaking franchise records in the process. Reed surpassed Sterling Sharpe last week against Minnesota for the most receptions by a Packers rookie and currently has the most targets without a drop in the NFL (48).
Green Bay might have all three receivers healthy for the first time in over a month if Reed, Watson, and Dontayvion Wicks all practice on Thursday.
If the Packers beat the Bears in the regular-season finale, they will clinch a playoff spot and be seeded based on the outcome of the Los Angeles Rams vs. San Francisco 49ers game. Losing to Chicago would put the Packers’ destiny in the hands of numerous teams, giving them a small chance of making the playoffs.
