Two Green Bay Packers starters did not participate at the start of Wednesday’s practice, though they were not the same players who were inactive for the loss to the Steelers.
Cornerback Jaire Alexander, who did not play at Pittsburgh due to a shoulder injury, rode a bike in the back corner of the Don Hutson Center. Same with safety Rudy Ford, who was back in the starting lineup vs. the Steelers after missing the victory over the Rams with a calf injury.
At Pittsburgh, Alexander and linebacker Quay Walker were inactive. Walker, who missed the last two weeks with a groin injury, was back at practice and went through drills alongside veteran De’Vondre Campbell, fill-in starter Isaiah McDuffie and practice-squad addition Austin Ajiake.
Speaking of additions to the roster, Kyu Blu Kelly, a fifth-round draft pick by the Ravens this year, was claimed off waivers by the team on Monday and made his practice debut.
The status of Alexander, Walker and Ford would be worth watching under any circumstances. Alexander is the team’s All-Pro cornerback, Walker is the team leader in tackles and tackles for losses despite missing the last two games, and Ford is second in tackles, first in interceptions and tied for second with Alexander, among others, in passes defensed.
Their status will be especially important with the high-flying Los Angeles Chargers coming to Lambeau Field on Sunday.
Quarterback Justin Herbert is in the top 10 in the NFL in passer rating, passing yards and touchdowns. He threw four touchdown passes in last week’s loss to the Detroit Lions. Receiver Keenan Allen leads the NFL with 73 receptions and is fourth in yards and sixth in touchdowns. Running back Austin Ekeler is one of the league’s elite dual-threat running backs.
The Chargers are only 4-5 but it’s not because of their offense, which ranks sixth in scoring. Including the 41-38 loss to Detroit, they are 1-2 when scoring 30-plus points.
This story will be updated following Wednesday’s practice, when coach Matt LaFleur will provide injury updates.
More must-reads: