Packers elevate 2 practice squad players amid injury concerns for Sunday 1 Aug 23, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Pierre Strong Jr. (20) runs with the ball during the first half against the Los Angeles Rams at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Packers elevate 2 practice squad players amid injury concerns for Sunday

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By John Sbisa | Last updated Oct 18, 2025 4:06 PM ET

The Green Bay Packers face a rather unfavorable Week 7 injury report ahead of Sunday’s game in Arizona. Running back Josh Jacobs is questionable with a calf injury/illness. Cornerback Keisean Nixon popped up Saturday, also with an illness. Per usual, Nate Hobbs is dealing with lingering knee issues.

On the offensive line, Zach Tom is trending in the right direction after practicing on Saturday, but the Packers have already ruled out defensive end Lukas Van Ness and, for a second straight week, DT Devonte Wyatt.

In response to the variety of ailments, they have reinstated backup center/guard Jacob Monk from the injured reserve and elevated a pair of practice squad members: running back Pierre Strong Jr. and DE Aaron Mosby.

Strong, Mosby could see rare chance on the field this Sunday

The Packers signed Strong to the practice squad after releasing fellow running back Israel Abanikanda in early September. The fourth-year back out of South Dakota State was drafted in the fourth round by the Patriots in 2022. In three NFL seasons with New England and Cleveland, he carried 99 times for 499 yards and two touchdowns. Strong also has 26 catches for 193 yards. Were Josh Jacobs to miss tomorrow, Strong could slide in as RB3 behind Emmanuel Wilson and Chris Brooks.

An undrafted free agent from Fresno State, Mosby saw reps with Carolina in 2022 and last season with the Packers. He appeared in 16 games and recorded a half-sack plus two passes defensed and a stuff. With Van Ness out, Mosby adds depth at defensive end.

Every NFL team deals with injuries as the season progresses, but the Packers are among those teams for which the bumps and bruises are piling up quick. The offensive line has been battered all season, Hobbs and Jacobs have frequented the injury report, receiver Jayden Reed is out indefinitely, and even Jordan Love has dealt with his share of problems after injuring his thumb in the preseason.

In addition, the offense won’t be getting Christian Watson back just yet. After missing last week, Kicker Brandon McManus remains questionable for Week 7 against the Cardinals.

Why Packers' Josh Jacobs could hold the key to beating Cardinals 33 Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (8) stiff-arms Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt (29) on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers won the game, 27-18.Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Those are only some of the most prominent health concerns plaguing this Packers team. Even facing a 2-4 Arizona squad, missing both Nixon and Jacobs in Sunday’s game would be no small concern.

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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