Packers are holding out hope that a key defensive player can return to action in time to face the Panthers on Sunday

Off-ball linebacker Quay Walker still has a shot at playing against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. Despite suffering a calf injury earlier this week, the fourth-year player returned on a limited basis to practice on Friday and is officially listed as questionable to play.

Kicker Brandon McManus (quad) is also questionable, while Lukas Van Ness (foot), Dontayvion Wicks (calf), and Nick Niemann (pectoral) are out.

Jeff Hafley truly values Quay Walker

Even though there's a lot of buzz around Edgerrin Cooper, defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley always praises the role Quay Walker has on the defense. Yes, he's playing faster, but his importance as a leader and to call plays is huge.

"There's so much growth to him as a person, as a leader, maturity, and then on the field. I mean, he sees the game so much quicker right now," Hafley said. His football knowledge, the way he's starting to see things and call runs out and call passes out and get guys lined up. If you watch him right now, it's almost like he's a quarterback back there."

Walker is in the last year of his rookie deal, because the Packers did not pick up his fifth-year option, but Hafley is impressed with his development.

"I cannot say enough about how well that guy's playing and how much I appreciate the hard work that he puts in, the extra meetings that he comes and sees me," Hafley added. "We go over the call sheets, we talk about what he likes, what I like, why. I just love the guy."

More injury updates

> Edge defender Lukas Van Ness will miss his third straight game with a foot injury he suffered against the Cincinnati Bengals. Wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks (calf) and special teamer Nick Niemann (pectoral) have also been ruled out after missing practice the entire week.

> Kicker Brandon McManus, who returned from a quad injury last week but missed two kicks, is also questionable. He practiced in full on Friday, though, so the early indications are positive. If he can't go, backup kicker Lucas Havrisik is still on the roster.

> Guard Aaron Banks (shin), running back Josh Jacobs (calf), guard Jordan Morgan (illness), tackle Zach Tom (back), wide receiver Christian Watson (knee), backup quarterback Malik Willis (ankle), and defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt (knee) are all off the injury report and good to go on Sunday.

Other side

The Carolina Panthers have ruled out center Cade Mays (ankle/knee) and edge defender Princely Umanmielen (ankle). Backup quarterback Andy Dalton (right thumb), left guard Damien Lewis (oblique), right tackle Taylor Moton (knee), linebacker Trevin Wallace (shoulder), safety Nick Scott (groin), and guard Chandler Zavala (knee) are all questionable.

Meanwhile, quarterback Bryce Young (ankle) and wide receiver Xavier Legette (illness) have no injury designation and will be available.

This article was originally published on A to Z Sports Green Bay, as "Packers are holding out hope that a key defensive player can return to action in time to face the Panthers on Sunday."