The Green Bay Packers (11-4) will be without some key starters for Sunday’s huge Week 17 matchup (3:25 p.m. CST, FOX) against the NFC North rival Minnesota Vikings (13-2) at U.S. Bank Stadium.
The Vikings, meanwhile, could be about as healthy as they’ve been all season as they look to stay alive in the race for both the division title and No. 1 overall playoff seed.
Green Bay entered the week with multiple key defenders, including cornerback Jaire Alexander and linebacker Quay Walker, on the mend. The defense still looked pretty good against the New Orleans Saints on Monday Night Football this past week, posting the NFL’s lone shutout of the 2024 season to date.
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With star linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. nearing a return from injured reserve, the Vikings could have their full compliment of starters available as they look to sweep the Packers for the first time since 2017.
Who’s in and who’s out for the NFL’s marquee matchup for Week 17? Here’s a full team-by-team injury breakdown, with the latest news and updates off of Friday’s practice reports:
Vikings vs. Packers: Full injury designations
Green Bay Packers
Out
Walker injured his ankle during Green Bay’s rout of the Seattle Seahawks in Week 15, and he hasn’t been able to practice since. Former Vikings draft pick Eric Wilson drew the start and saw an uptick in defensive reps in last week’s shutout win over the Saints.
- CB Jaire Alexander (knee)
The Packers were hopeful that Alexander could go this week, estimating him as a full-go on Wednesday’s practice report. But when the team suited up for real after the Christmas Day holiday, Alexander’s participation was downgraded to limited. Head coach Matt LaFleur admitted to reporters that his star corner was trending in the wrong direction this week. The Packers will be leaning on former seventh-round pick Carrington Valentine, who has turned heads as a starting boundary corner in recent weeks, and veteran Eric Stokes in Alexander’s absence.
The promising fourth-round rookie will miss his second straight game after injuring his quad in practice last week. Veteran Zayne Anderson graded out well in last week’s spot start vs. the Saints and figures to get the call again with Williams out.
- OT Andre Dillard (concussion)
Dillard was taken off the field during Thursday’s practice to be evaluated for a concussion and subsequently missed Friday’s session. The Packers have used the former first-round pick on special teams this season, but he’s logged just 13 total offensive snaps in a reserve role.
Questionable
Bullard has been working his way back from an ankle injury that has kept him out of the lineup since the Week 14 Thursday Night Football game at Detroit. He would be a welcomed depth addition to the lineup vs. the Vikings, especially with Williams ruled out.
- LB Ty’Ron Hopper (ankle)
A core special teams player this season, Hopper was nicked up during the Saints game. If he’s able to go, Hopper could see a slight uptick in opportunities on defense with Walker still out of the lineup.
- WR Christian Watson (knee)
The Packers received good news this week on Watson’s knee, as the young receiver avoided a major injury. The team hasn’t ruled him out, but Watson also hasn’t practiced all week. Dontayvion Wicks would enter the lineup alongside Romeo Doubs and Jayden Reed in three-wide sets if Watson is unable to suit up.
Minnesota Vikings
Out
Moreau will miss his second consecutive game after being held out of practice all week. He saw his most playing time of the season during Stephon Gilmore’s multi-week absence with a hamstring issue. The Vikings will roll out Byron Murphy Jr. and Gilmore as their top two cornerbacks against the Packers, with Shaq Griffin also firmly in the mix.
Questionable
- LB Ivan Pace Jr. (hamstring)
The Vikings opened Pace’s 21-day practice window this week, and he responded with three full practice sessions. He could return from a four-game absence this week, though Minnesota will have to make a roster move to add him to the 53-man roster first.
