2 min read • January 14, 2021
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Running Backs - Aaron Jones missed Weeks 7 & 8 with a calf injury, but has been highly productive upon returning and has shown no signs of slowing. A calf injury can be concerning for running backs as it makes it difficult to explode off the line, but Jones appears to be fully healed and has had some of his best games of the season in recent weeks.
Both Jamaal Williams and AJ Dillon missed time on the COVID list this year, starting in Week 9. Williams returned after one week and has been a valuable part of this offense in conjunction with Aaron Jones, though he sat out Week 16 with a quad injury. AJ Dillon burst out at the tail end of the season, and continues to build his role in this offense. Williams and Dillon are dealing with minor injuries, but it would be a surprise if they missed time.
Wide Receivers - Davante Adams missed weeks 2 and 3 with a hamstring injury, which can be tricky for a wideout. Fortunately, it appears that this is not a major issue for him, and he is one of the NFL’s leading receivers with well over 1000 yards and 10+ TD’s. He appears healthy and ready to go for the Packers’ playoff run.
Allen Lazard sat out significant time this year, from Weeks 4-10 with a core muscle injury. A physical receiver who uses his 6’5” frame to box out defenders and make jump ball catches, he needed that time away to heal up and continue his style of play. He has been a solid contributor since returning, and is vying with Marquez Valdez-Scantling to become the #2 under Adams. He is currently dealing with wrist and back issues, but has a good shot to play.
Offensive Lineman - The Packers were without their blindside protector from Weeks 7-9 as David Bakhtiari dealt with a chest issue, and unfortunately tore his ACL ahead of Week 17 in practice. The Packers luckily have had a week to adjust, given their #1 seed status, and they have signed Jared Veldheer off the Colts practice squad. The 33-year old tackle performed well for Indianapolis in the Wild Card, but has since tested positive for COVID-19 and will not play.
Corey Linsley was activated off Injured Reserve ahead of their Week 16 contest versus Tennessee, and their line is fortunate to have the starting center back in the fold. However, he is worth keeping an eye on because while the MCL sprain that held him out was not too serious, knee injuries always have the threat of reaggravation.
Linebackers - Linebacker Christian Kirksey was one of Green Bay’s key free agent signings this past offseason, and the defense missed his presence when he sat out Weeks 4-9 with a pectoral injury. Injuries of this sort can often be season-ending, and indeed his 2019 season was cut short by a pectoral tear. He spent a good chunk of time on IR this year as he healed the re-injured muscle, and while he has been a big part of this defense upon his return, this is something to watch.
Defensive Lineman - Nose Tackle Kenny Clark is a key cog in this defensive front, and his 3 game absence early in the year impacted their unit without a doubt. He suffered a groin strain and missed Weeks 2-4, and while he has returned and started every game since, his pass rush and backfield penetration have taken a step back this year. He is still a very good player, one of the best at his position but this injury may have impacted his production,
Kingsley Keke has missed the first two rounds of the playoffs with a concussion, but was limited in practice this week, a good sign that he is progressing well through the concussion protocol.
Linebackers - Za'Darius Smith and Krys Barnes are both dealing with thumb injuries ahead of the NFC Championship. They were both limited in practice to start the week, and while they have good chances to play, their effectiveness could be somewhat limited if their thumbs bother them into the weekend.
Cornerbacks - Concussions are always something to monitor, and the Packers’ star corner Jaire Alexander missed Week 10 in the concussion protocol. He has been fine ever since, but the risk of re-injury grows with each hit and he will have to protect himself on the field.
Kevin King is a starting corner in this defense in both base and nickel packages, so it was concerning when he missed Weeks 5-10 with a quadricep injury. A hurt quad is especially difficult for defensive backs who have to strafe, cut and turn upfield at a moment’s notice. There is some risk for reaggravation, and they will have to hope he can protect that leg.
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