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It’s Wednesday night which means it’s our first look at the injury report. Alas though, there is not much good news hidden here. As much as we should be used to bad news, upsetting signs, and constant setbacks…but eventually that’s got to change right?
Let’s take a look at the Packers injury list….
| Name | Position | Injury | Wed. Status |
| Donald Driver | WR | Thumb | LP |
| T.J. Lang | G/T | Ankle | DNP |
| Terrell Manning | LB | Shoulder | LP |
| Clay Matthews | OLB | Hamstring | DNP |
| Mike Neal | DE | Shoulder | DNP |
| Jordy Nelson | WR | Hamstring | DNP |
| Jeff Saturday | C | Foot | LP |
| Sam Shields | CB | Ankle | LP |
| James Starks | RB | Knee | DNP |
| C.J. Wilson | DE | Knee | DNP |
| Charles Woodson | DB | Collarbone | LP |
First things first, the ominous signs. Clay Matthews did not practice again and neither did Jordy Nelson. Coach McCarthy said that they are "getting better" but he also doesn’t know if they will play this week. Unless they return to practice tomorrow the smart money is on them not playing on Sunday night.
Next, the mysterious injuries. We have covered the James Starks injury and its fall out pretty well today and he did not practice. Neither did Mike Neal who has suddenly come up with a shoulder injury. Now McCarthy described Neal’s participation as "limited" the Packers website lists that he did not practice at all….so take from that what you will.
The last major concern that every probably has is on T.J. Lang. Lang did not practice on Wednesday and McCarthy’s comments weren’t encouraging….so all those who are dreaming about Lang moving to LG this week and facing off against Nick Fairley may be disappointed. Buckle up, and prepare to watch EDS some more.
The good news among all of this is that both Sam Shields and Charles Woodson returned to practice. This doesn’t mean that they will play this week, but it is a good sign that each should return soon. Both were key contributors early in the year and it will be interesting to see how each will fit into the mix when they return given how well the younger corners have held up. At the very least having both back for the playoff run should ensure that Jarrett Bush never sees the field for a defensive snap ever again.
The Lions also released their injury report as well:
| Name | Position | Injury | Wed Status |
| Jeff Backus | T | Hamstring | LP |
| Gosder Cherilus | T | Knees | DNP |
| Louis Delmas | S | Knee | DNP |
| Nick Fairley | DT | Quadricep | LP |
| Chris Houston | CB | Ankle | DNP |
| Lawrence Jackson | DE | Concussion | DNP |
| Jacob Lacey | CB | Foot / Achilles | DNP |
| Kassim Osgood | WR | Finger | FP |
| Ashlee Palmer | LB | Thumb | FP |
| Corey Williams | DT | Knee | DNP |
It almost looks as bad as the Packers’ injury report. Most interesting is the absence of Chris Houston and Louis Delmas from practice on Wednesday. The Lions secondary is a unit that needs an influx of talent this offseason and having their two best players suffering injuries cannot help matters much.
It is also interesting to see that Nick Fairley’s name appears on the injury report as well. He was limited in his practice, so there should be every expectation that he will play on Sunday. Will he be slowed down by his quadriceps injury? Since he will probably play against EDS my money is on no….or that we won’t be able to tell.
Finally the Lions offensive line is a bit beaten up as well with Jeff Backus nursing a hamstring injury and Gosder Cherilus out with an injury in both knees. If the Packers have a starting quality OLB available this might be something that could be taken advantage of….if it’s Erik Walden & Co. then who knows what could happen.