For Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings, the Green Bay Packers will be without safety Evan Williams and cornerback Jaire Alexander, two members of their starting secondary. Linebacker Quay Walker and offensive tackle Andre Dillard are both sidelined for the Packers.Linebacker Ty’Ron Hopper, safety Javon Bullard, and receiver Christian Watson are all in doubt. The Vikings’ defence could be at full strength because linebacker Ivan Pace (hamstring) and safety Harrison Smith (foot) were both fully participating for the second day in a row. Smith is not mentioned in the final report, and the pace is dubious. Watson has only missed one game this season, against the Rams in Week 4 after he got his ankle caught beneath him in the first half against the Vikings. He endured pain an injured left knee when a Saints defender fell on him at the end of a jet sweep on Monday.
Watson hasn’t practiced this week, but LaFleur stated on Thursday that he had “played enough” to be able to play without it. LaFleur stated on Friday that Watson’s future was “still open” and that he was “getting better.” At Jacksonville, Alexander sustained a knee injury precisely two months ago. If the team had practiced on Wednesday, he would have participated fully; but, he was limited on Thursday and did not practice on Friday. He will be out for the sixth straight game.
Walker will miss a second straight game due to an ankle injury he acquired at Seattle, and he did not practise this week. Rookie Edgerrin Cooper had the second-most snaps at linebacker against the Saints, while Eric Wilson was the linebacker on every down. The Packers will probably use that approach once more. Williams, who suffered a quad injury during practice prior to the New Orleans game, did not practice this week either and will miss a second straight game. Bullard’s possible return after missing two games due to an ankle ailment may be a boost in the absence of Alexander and Williams. He didn’t participate as much on Thursday or Friday.
think he’s taking steps,” defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley said on Thursday. “Certainly be nice to get him back. He brings a physicality to the game, whether he’s playing nickel or safety. He’s good in the run game, he’s aggressive in the pass game.
“I thought he was playing really good football and he’s one of our better players so, hopefully, we’ll have a chance to get him back and get him going. But we’ve certainly missed him.”
Bullard’s versatility – he’s played mostly in the slot but also has played safety – could be helpful in allowing the Packers to get the best of their remaining defensive backs on the field against a prolific Vikings passing game. Sam Darnold is closing in on 4,000 passing yards and Justin Jefferson needs 13 yards for his fourth 1,400-yard season in five years.
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