The Green Bay Packers may need their offense to start putting up points quickly this week, as the team suddenly has a ton of injuries to deal with on defense. Green Bay has essentially five defensive starters hurt in some fashion this week, and a few of them have already been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions.
Clay Matthews’ injuries might not keep him inactive, but they may limit him somewhat during the game. Matthews is now dealing with hamstring and ankle issues, both of which have plagued him in the past. Meanwhile, cornerback Sam Shields still has yet to return to the field following a concussion in week one and Letroy Guion has not practiced all week after leaving last week’s game early with a knee injury.
Meanwhile, the team is likely to get back several depth players who may be able to fill in for the injured veterans to some extent. Linebacker Jayrone Elliott, cornerback Josh Hawkins, and safety Chris Banjo all practiced fully throughout the week.
On offense, there is one major question mark: Right guard T.J. Lang did not appear on the injury report on Wednesday, but was held out of practice entirely on Thursday with a hip issue. His status will bear monitoring throughout the weekend. If he cannot play, Don Barclay would likely take his place in the starting lineup with rookie Kyle Murphy likely backing up both guard positions.
Packers Injury Report
Out
- Sam Shields, CB (concussion)
Questionable
- Morgan Burnett, S (groin)
- Letroy Guion, DT (knee)
- Datone Jones, OLB (knee)
- T.J. Lang, guard (hip)
- Clay Matthews, OLB (ankle/hamstring)
The Lions, meanwhile, are dealing with a depleted defense as well. Linebackers DeAndre Levy and Antwione Williams have not practiced this week, while Kyle Van Noy returned as limited on Thursday. Defensive end Ezekiel Ansah is also going to sit on Sunday, while his backup, Devin Taylor, is in question as well.
Lions Injury Report
Out
- Ezekiel Ansah, DE (ankle)
Doubtful
- DeAndre Levy, LB (quadriceps)
- Antwione Williams, LB (hamstring)
Questionable
- Adairius Barnes, CB (ankle)
- Eric Ebron, TE (back)
- Wallace Gilberry, DE (abdomen)
- Riley Reiff, OT (ankle)
- Devin Taylor, DE (ankle)
- Kyle Van Noy, LB (calf)
- Tyrunn Walker, DT (calf)
- Larry Warford, G (illness)