Matt LaFleur and the Green Bay Packers are entering the final stages of their preparation for Week 18 against the Chicago Bears. Everything about the season is on the line for Green Bay. With a win, they will punch a ticket into the NFL playoffs, but with a loss they will almost certainly be watching the playoffs from their couch.
In order to beat the Bears, the Packers will need to turn in one of their best performances of the year. Chicago has nothing to lose and have been waiting for a rematch of their Week 1 blowout loss against Green Bay. They’re ready to go and have absolutely no nerves to deal with.
The Packers, on the other hand, have everything at stake. That can lead to some early jitters, which could end up being the difference between a win and a loss if the team isn’t ready to go.
Green Bay also needs to get healthy. They have dealt with major injury issues all season long and there are many questions before this week’s game as well.
Green Bay Packers Reveal Two Massive Injury Updates For Bears’ Game
Today, the Packers were able to reveal two massive injury updates. Both of them are about key payers.
Preston Smith, one of the Green Bay Packers’ top leaders and an elite pass-rusher, was able to make his return to the practice field on Friday. Elgton Jekins, a star offensive lineman, was also practicing.
LB Preston Smith back at practice for #Packers on Friday. He’s missed only one game in his 9-year career. G Elgton Jenkins also back.
WR Christian Watson not practicing. No word whether setback or planned day off.
S Rudy Ford, RB AJ Dillon, LB Isaiah McDuffie also not practicing. pic.twitter.com/Ej4wr8eB9o— Mike Spofford (@mikespofford) January 5, 2024
Both players are going to be pivotal to the Green Bay Packers’ chances to defeat the Bears. Smith is needed to apply pressure on Justin Fields. Jenkins is needed to keep Jordan Love upright.
It will be interesting to see how the game goes this week. These two teams hate each other and it’s a huge game. One thing is for sure, which is that Lambeau Field will be absolutely rocking on Sunday afternoon.
