The Green Bay Packers ruled out cornerback Jaire Alexander, offensive tackle Andre Dillard, linebacker Quay Walker and safety Evan Williams and listed defensive back Javon Bullard, linebacker Ty’Ron Hopper and receiver Christian Watson as questionable on the final injury report before facing the Minnesota Vikings in Week 17.
How will the injury situation affect Sunday’s showdown?
Here’s an in-depth breakdown of the Packers’ final injury report ahead of Week 17:
Out (4)
CB Jaire Alexander (knee): He’ll miss a sixth straight game since aggravating a knee injury in Chicago in Week 11. It’s unclear when Alexander will return. Carrington Valentine and Eric Stokes should be the starters on the perimeter on Sunday.
OT Andre Dillard (concussion): The backup offensive tackle suffered a concussion and did not participate on Friday. He’ll need to pass through the league’s protocol before returning. The Packers will likely have Kadeem Telfort, Travis Glover and Jacob Monk active as the backup offensive linemen on Sunday.
LB Quay Walker (ankle): Walker didn’t practice all week and will miss a second straight game. Edgerrin Cooper, Isaiah McDuffie and Eric Wilson will handle the snaps at linebacker.
S Evan Williams (quad): A second straight missed game for Williams, who hurt his quad during last Saturday’s practice. The Packers weren’t sure if he’d be able to return before the postseason. Javon Bullard could return and handle safety snaps, or Zayne Anderson could get another start.
Questionable (3)
DB Javon Bullard (ankle): He missed the last two games but returned this week and got in three limited practices. The rookie has played in the slot and at safety, but the Packers have a bigger need at safety this week. If he’s in the slot, Keisean Nixon could move back outside with Zayne Anderson at safety. Or he could take over Evan Williams’ snaps at safety.
LB Ty’Ron Hopper (ankle): He practiced in a limited capacity on Thursday and Friday, so there’s a real chance he plays Sunday. Hopper has been primarily a special teamer as a rookie.
WR Christian Watson (knee): He injured his knee on Monday night and didn’t practice at all this week, but the Packers are keeping open the door to him playing Sunday. We’ll see. It’s possible Watson is closer to doubtful than truly questionable. Rare is the player to not practice during the week and play Sunday, especially on a short week.
No status designation
The Packers removed cornerback Corey Ballentine, left guard Elgton Jenkins, tight end Tucker Kraft and tight end Luke Musgrave from the injury report. They will be available to play Sunday. Jenkins didn’t practice Thursday but returned Friday, while Kraft was a full participant on Friday.
Vikings injury report
The Vikings ruled out cornerback Fabian Moreau (hip) and listed linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. (hamstring) as questionable. Pace is returning from injured reserve. The other seven players listed on the Vikings injury report were full participants on Friday, including safety Harrison Smith. Kevin O’Connell’s team doesn’t have left tackle Christian Darrisaw or cornerback Mekhi Blackmon, who are on injured reserve, but this is otherwise a healthy team considering it’s Week 17.