Packers-Washington Inactives: Oren Burks makes his debut, Josh Jones sits again

The Green Bay Packers will finally get their rookie linebacker on the field today. Oren Burks, the Packers’ third-round draft pick from this spring, is active for Sunday’s game in Washington and is expected to start next to Blake Martinez. Burks had missed the Packers first two regular season games, along with the final two preseason games, due to a shoulder injury he suffered in warmups before the third exhibition contest.

Burks immediately brings improved athleticism and pass coverage ability to the Packers’ linebacking corps, likely lessening the number of snaps on which Mike Pettine will choose to line up with six or more defensive backs.

Two of those defensive backs are out today, however. One is cornerback Kevin King, who was ruled out on Friday’s injury report. However, the team will be missing safety Josh Jones for the third straight game, as an ankle injury continues to force him to sit. Like Burks, Jones was listed as questionable on the injury report, as were cornerback Davon House and quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Both of the latter two players are active as well, with Rodgers’ knee ready to go again and House’s injured biceps not keeping him out. However, that injury to House may mean some more snaps for Josh Jackson and Jaire Alexander with King out. Meanwhile, the Packers appear to be confident in Rodgers’ ability to make it through a full game, as third-string quarterback Tim Boyle is on the inactive list.

Here is the full inactives list.

Packers Inactives

• QB Tim Boyle
• RB Darius Jackson
• S Josh Jones
• CB Kevin King
• OL Alex Light
• WR J’Mon Moore
• WR Equanimeous St. Brown

Washington Inactives

• CB Adonis Alexander
• S Troy Apke
• DT Caleb Brantley
• OT Geron Christian
• WR Michael Floyd
• G Shawn Lauvao
• RB Samaje Perine