It seems to be an all-too-common theme for the Green Bay Packers this season: they are heading into a vital Week 17 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings with a plethora of high-profile skill players on the injured list. To say that the Packers have not put together a completely healthy preferred roster all season would be an accurate statement.
Even when David Bakhtiari was healthy in Week One, wide receiver Christian Watson was not. Following Week One, Aaron Jones missed time with injuries, Watson has been in and out, the defense has seen both starting safeties and linebackers miss time, and Dontayvion Wicks and Jayden Reed have swapped missed games late in the year.
With two games left in the season, rookie tight end Luke Musgrave is still working his way back from injured reserve. Meanwhile, the Packers’ young group of wide receivers is down several key players. Despite the recent injuries, though, other young pass catchers have taken their opportunity for more snaps and have made the most of them.
As great as it is that young players are getting opportunities, the Packers still need their best playmakers out on the field. Fortunately, they will be getting one of their best back on Sunday night.
Jayden Reed Will Play for the Green Bay Packers on Sunday vs the Minnesota Vikings
Rookie second round wide receiver Jayden Reed missed his first game of the season last week due to a chest/toe injury. He returned to practice this week in a limited capacity, but did not receive a game designation on the team’s final injury report. This means, of course, that he will play.
Reed currently has 54 receptions for 592 yards and six touchdowns on the year. He needs just one more reception to tie Sterling Sharpe’s record for the most by a rookie wide receiver, which he set back in 1988.
In addition to his receiving numbers, Reed has 11 rushing attempts for 119 yards and two more touchdowns.
Dontayvion Wicks Will Be a Gametime Decision for the Green Bay Packers
Another important rookie wide receiver this season has been fifth round pick Dontayvion Wicks. Last week against Carolina, he had two receptions for 29 yards and a touchdown. However, he suffered a chest injury on his touchdown catch and was unable to return to the game.
Wicks did not practice at all this week, but the Packers have officially listed him as questionable.
So far this season, Wicks has 33 receptions for 520 yards and two touchdowns.
Christian Watson Is Listed As Doubtful for the Green Bay Packers
Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin.
Wide receiver Christian Watson also did not practice at all this week as he is recovering from a hamstring injury he suffered against the Kansas City Chiefs. This will be the fourth consecutive game that he will miss, meaning the Packers could have placed him on injured reserve. It seems, though, that they were hopeful he would be able to recover quicker than he has been able to.
So far this season, Watson has 28 receptions for 422 yards and five touchdowns.
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