The Green Bay Packers have to win their final two games of the season if they are going to have any chance of making the 2023 NFL Playoffs. If they win these next two games against division rivals (the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears), Green Bay has a 95% chance of making the postseason. Of course, it all starts with beating the Vikings on Sunday night, something that may be easier said than done given the Packers’ health issues.
Unfortunately, health issues are not the only thing keeping a certain player off of the field against the Vikings. Two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jaire Alexander has been suspended by the Packers for conduct detrimental to the team. While both head coach Matt LaFleur and general manager Brian Gutekunst have stated stated that Alexander will be a part of the team for years to come, his absence on Sunday could not come at a worse time.
In addition to Alexander, the defense will likely be without All-Pro linebacker De’Vondre Campbell, who is dealing with a neck injury. Interior defensive lineman TJ Slaton is also dealing with an injury and has not practiced yet this week.
As has been the case over the last few weeks, there is better news on the offensive side of the ball. Wide receiver Jayden Reed returned to practice Wednesday, strengthening quarterback Jordan Love’s group of pass catchers. Additionally, Love got one more major piece of his offense back at practice on Thursday.
While Christian Watson and Dontayvion Wicks did not practice on Thursday, left guard Elgton Jenkins did return to practice after not participating on Wednesday. According to the Packers injury report, Jenkins is dealing with a shoulder injury as well as his lingering knee issue.
Having Jenkins on the field is of major importance for the Love and the Packers offense. According to PFF, Jenkins has the highest pass blocking grade on the team this season (79.3). His 65.9 overall offensive grade ranks second among the Packers’ offensive linemen behind only Zach Tom (76.5).
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