Packers and Lions Injury Updates Ahead of Week’s Game
The Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions are in very different physical situations after their challenging Sunday-Thursday stretch of games.
The Packers came out of their Thanksgiving win over the Miami Dolphins with only one significant injury. Reserve cornerback Corey Ballentine hurt his knee during the game following Keisean Nixon’s strong kickoff return. However, Coach Matt LaFleur reassured that the injury isn’t long-term. “Corey’s not going to be long term,” LaFleur stated on Friday.
Apart from Ballentine, the Packers navigated their tough schedule with minimal injury impact. Cornerback Jaire Alexander (knee) and linebacker Edgerrin Cooper (hamstring) missed both games, and receiver Romeo Doubs (concussion) was ruled out after his injury against the 49ers. Linebacker Isaiah McDuffie, despite nursing an ankle injury from the 49ers game, filled in admirably for Cooper. McDuffie played 63 defensive snaps against the Dolphins, recording 10 tackles, one forced fumble, and one pass breakup. LaFleur praised McDuffie’s toughness and determination, saying, “It speaks to the level of toughness he has and his desire to be out there with his teammates.”
In contrast, the Lions are dealing with several significant injuries. Linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez suffered a torn ACL during their Thanksgiving win over the Bears. Rodriguez, who had started six games this season, will join Alex Anzalone (broken forearm) and two other linebackers on injured reserve.
The Lions are also facing injuries on the defensive line, with defensive end Josh Paschal dealing with a knee injury and defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike suffering from a hamstring injury. Though Paschal’s injury isn’t severe, both he and Onwuzurike may miss the Packers game.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell acknowledged the toll the injuries have taken but maintained a positive outlook, saying, “We’ll get a guy back or we won’t, but we’ll be ready.”
In addition to Rodriguez and Anzalone, the Lions’ injured reserve also includes linebackers Derrick Barnes and Jalen Reeves-Maybin, defensive linemen Aidan Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport, and rookie cornerback Ennis Rakestraw. To bolster their depth, the Lions signed defensive tackle Jonah Williams and linebacker Kwon Alexander on Friday, following the addition of former Packers Pro Bowler Za’Darius Smith, who recorded 1.5 sacks in their game against the Bears.
For the Packers, LaFleur is optimistic that Ballentine’s injury won’t affect his availability for this week’s matchup. “It didn’t look like anything too serious,” LaFleur said, noting that he spoke with Ballentine, who seemed relieved about the injury.
