The Green Bay Packers will be “mindful” when it comes to players dealing with injuries but are otherwise planning to play all healthy players during Sunday’s season finale against the Chicago Bears.
Coach Matt LaFleur said there is value to playing everyone coming off a sloppy performance in Minnesota last week.
“I do believe there is a lot of value, especially in terms of how we played a week ago, and it wasn’t the cleanest game in any phase. I think there’s value in going out there and playing, and playing well,” LaFleur said Wednesday.
The Packers have clinched a playoff berth and can only be the No. 6 or No. 7 seed.
The injury list to start the week suggests several players will be out. Among those missing Wednesday’s practice were receiver Christian Watson, linebacker Quay Walker, safety Evan Williams, safety Zayne Anderson and defensive end Brenton Cox Jr.
LaFleur’s team listed 15 players on the initial injury report on Wednesday.
“I wouldn’t say more cautious, I think we have to be mindful of every situation. Guys that are dealing with stuff…we’ve just got to be mindful,” LaFleur said.
In other injury news, cornerback Jaire Alexander had surgery on his knee and will likely miss the rest of the season. The Packers can’t afford any other significant injuries entering the postseason.
LaFleur said there are many different ways to approach the situation. In 2021, the Packers played starters for a half in the season finale with the No. 1 seed locked up. There is always risk and reward when it comes to both playing to avoid rust and sitting to avoid injury.
“Yeah, we’re playing to win the game. I don’t see our approach changing,” LaFleur said.
There’s still a chance — with a Packers win over the Bears and a Dallas Cowboys win over the Washington Commanders — for Green Bay to be the No. 6 seed and avoid a trip to Philadelphia in the NFC Wild Card Round.
“Hopefully, Mike (McCarthy) does us a favor,” LaFleur said.