Packers gain massive defensive boost right ahead of huge Broncos game as a key return brings needed flexibility upfront

The Green Bay Packers will finally have a big part of their defense back. Former first-round pick Lukas Van Ness is officially active to play against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, despite being listed as questionable with a foot injury that has affected his third NFL season.

Van Ness had 16 pressures over his first five games, on pace for what would comfortably be a career high. However, the edge defender suffered a serious foot injury back in Week 6 against the Cincinnati Bengals. He missed five consecutive games and tried to return against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 12, but felt he wasn't ready after only six defensive snaps, causing him to miss two more games.

Lukas Van Ness' return is big for the defense. In addition to his ability to complement the edge rusher depth behind Micah Parsons and Rashan Gary, he offers positional flexibility to align as an interior defensive lineman — something particularly important since Devonte Wyatt is out for season.

Header

• RB Pierre Strong Jr.
• OL Donovan Jennings
• DT Quinton Bohanna
• WR Savion Williams
• DT Nazir Stackhouse
• EDGE Barryn Sorrell

Run the ball, baby

Both running backs who were questionable to play are active, as expected. Josh Jacobs, with a knee injury that has bothered him for a month, and Emanuel Wilson, added to the injury report on Saturday with an illness, are healthy enough to play. That's massive for the offense, especially against a powerful passing defense like Denver is. Because Jacobs and Wilson are active, the Packers decided to make Pierre Strong Jr., elevated from the practice squad, a healthy scratch.

Rookie wide receiver and kick returner Savion Williams will miss his third consecutive game with a foot injury. He hasn't played since the Minnesota Vikings game in Week 12.

Linebacker and special teamer Kristian Welch, who left the Chicago Bears game last week with a concussion, is officially active.

This story was originally published by A to Z Sports on Dec 14, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add A to Z Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.