The Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers are gearing up for a crucial NFC North battle on Thanksgiving Day, but both teams are dealing with significant injury concerns. Let's break down the latest injury updates for both squads.
Green Bay Packers Injury News
The Packers have listed four players as questionable and ruled out another four for the Thanksgiving Day clash. Receiver Matthew Golden (wrist), linebacker Quay Walker (neck), and cornerbacks Keisean Nixon (neck) and Nate Hobbs (knee) are all listed as questionable. Nixon suffered a stinger against the Vikings but has shown some progress this week.
Head Coach Matt LaFleur stated, "A lot of these guys are making progress... Obviously (Nixon's) a guy that we will absolutely give up until game time to see if he can go."
Ruled out for the Packers are defensive linemen Lukas Van Ness (foot) and Karl Brooks (ankle), and receivers Savion Williams (foot) and Jayden Reed (foot/shoulder). Running back Josh Jacobs (knee) is expected to play after missing last week's game.
Detroit Lions Injury News
The Lions are also facing injury woes. Wide receiver Kalif Raymond (ankle), tight end Brock Wright (neck), center Graham Glasgow (knee), EDGE Josh Paschal (back), and safety Kerby Joseph (knee) have all been ruled out for the game.
Glasgow's absence is a major blow to the offensive line, especially with Christian Mahogany already sidelined. Wright's injury means Ross Dwelley is likely to step into the TE1 role.
Coach Dan Campbell confirmed Joseph's absence, stating, "To Kerby’s credit, man, he is rehabbing, he’s putting in the work.”
Impact on the Game
These injuries will undoubtedly impact the game. The Packers' receiving corps is thin, and the Lions' offensive line is significantly weakened. Keep an eye on the status of Nixon and Hobbs for the Packers, and how the Lions adjust their offensive strategy with Glasgow out.
A first-year cornerback and Detroit area native Kamal Hadden could be in line to make his first NFL start in his hometown team depending on the status of Nixon and Hobbs.
This Thanksgiving Day matchup promises to be a hard-fought contest, with both teams battling not only each other but also the injury bug.