It’s never easy going into the playoffs with uncertainty hanging over your key players. And, boy, do the Packers know how to keep us on edge. As we gear up for Sunday’s NFC Wild Card Round against the Eagles, five Packers players—including three starters—are listed as questionable. Let’s just say, it’s not the kind of drama we were hoping for.
First, the good news (because we could all use some): quarterback Jordan Love is a full go. No injury designation, no lingering doubts. He’s ready to lead the charge against Philadelphia. And for a team that lives and dies by its QB’s performance, that’s a huge relief. Backup QB Malik Willis is also good to go despite a thumb injury. Solid.
Now for the not-so-great part. Wide receiver Christian Watson is officially out for the season with a knee injury. We knew it was coming, but it still stings. Safety Zayne Anderson is also out due to a concussion. Neither practiced this week, so this wasn’t a surprise, but it doesn’t make the depth chart any easier to look at.
Here’s where things get dicey: linebacker Quay Walker (ankle), safety Evan Williams (quad), and defensive lineman T.J. Slaton (ankle) are all questionable. Yep, three starters. Walker and Williams are fighting to come back from three-game absences, and both were limited in practice all week. Slaton, meanwhile, got hurt during the season finale but managed to practice on Thursday and Friday.
If these three can suit up, it’ll be a massive boost for Jeff Hafley’s defense. Why? Oh, just because the Eagles have this little weapon named Saquon Barkley, who casually ran for 2,005 yards in the regular season. No big deal. Missing even one of these defenders could turn slowing Barkley from “hard” to “nearly impossible.”
But wait, there’s more! Rotational edge rusher Brenton Cox Jr. (foot) and backup offensive tackle Andre Dillard (concussion) are also questionable. Cox practiced all week, so there’s optimism he’ll be out there to provide some much-needed pass-rushing depth. Dillard, on the other hand, was only upgraded to full participant status on Friday, which means his availability is still a bit of a coin toss. Let’s hope the coin flips in our favor, because Dillard is a top backup at OT, and, well, protecting Jordan Love is kind of a big deal.
There is a silver lining, though. Receiver Romeo Doubs is back after missing the season finale with an illness. He’s been a full participant in practice all week, so he’s good to go. Considering how much the offense will need to click to outpace Philly, Doubs’ return couldn’t come at a better time.
On the other side of the ball, the Eagles are dealing with their own set of injuries. Guard Trevor Keegan (ankle) and defensive lineman Byron Young (knee) are out, and offensive lineman Jack Driscoll has been placed on injured reserve with an ankle injury. While not as long as Green Bay’s list, these absences could still have a big impact.
So, here we are. The Packers are walking a tightrope into the Wild Card Round, balancing between optimism and the cold, hard reality of the injury report. Will Walker, Williams, and Slaton suit up to help contain Barkley? Will Cox and Dillard be ready to fill their critical roles? Only time—and maybe a few rounds of pregame prayers—will tell.
For now, let’s cling to the fact that Jordan Love is good to go, Romeo Doubs is back, and the Packers have a fighting chance. Cross your fingers, folks. Sunday is shaping up to be one heck of a ride.
Hang in there, Packers fans! 💚🏈
