Big news on the injury front for the defense of the Green Bay Packers to open the week: linebacker Quay Walker and safety Evan Williams were both back on the practice field to start on-field prep for the postseason, per Mike Spofford of the team’s official site.
Walker and Williams both missed the final three regular season games with lower-body injuries. Their return to practice Wednesday suggests both could be ready to go when the Packers take on the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Wild Card Round on Sunday.
Coach Matt LaFleur said he was hopeful both could play this week but needed to see them on the field at practice first.
Walker, now in Year 3, was playing some of the best football of his career when he went down with an ankle injury in Seattle on Dec. 15. Having both Walker and rookie Edgerrin Cooper healthy and available could provide the Packers with the linebacker talent required to contain 2,000-yard rusher Saquon Barkley.
Williams, a standout rookie, suffered a quad injury in practice on Dec. 21. If Williams returns, the Packers would be strong at safety and have options with rookie Javon Bullard, who has bounced between safety and the nickel due to injuries.
Per Spofford, the Packers also returned receiver Romeo Doubs from an illness and defensive end Brenton Cox Jr. from a foot injury at practice on Wednesday. Defensive tackle TJ Slaton and safety Zayne Anderson were not practicing.
The first injury report arrives later on Wednesday afternoon. It’s likely both Walker and Williams will be listed as limited in their first practice action since their respective lower-body injuries.
The injury report will also provide some additional information on quarterback Jordan Love, who is practicing on Wednesday after injuring his elbow on Sunday. It’s possible he’ll also be limited.
Coach Matt LaFleur speaks after practice.