Packers’ Matt LaFleur Announces Status Update on Thursday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Nov 13, 2025 2:15 PM ET

Matt LaFleur and the Green Bay Packers enter Week 11 with a matchup against the New York Giants. After losing their last two games against the Carolina Panthers and Philadelphia Eagles, the team is looking to bounce back.

The defense has been the Packers' strength this year, ranking seventh in points per game allowed (19.6 ). In Green Bay's three losses, it's allowed just 39 points. The team's pass rush, led by Micah Parsons and Rashan Gary, has been a strength.

They've been productive, even without Lukas Van Ness, who hasn't appeared in a game since Week 6 after injuring his foot against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Green Bay Packers EDGE Lukas Van Ness.Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

However, on Thursday, before the Packers' second practice of the week, LaFleur announced that Van Ness will be returning to practice.

"Lukas Van Ness will practice today for the first time since Week 6, LaFleur says," The Athletic's Matt Schneidman reported.

The pass rusher is in his third year with the Packers after being selected with the No. 13 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Lukas Van Ness will practice today for the first time since Week 6, LaFleur says. pic.twitter.com/PMTVLorrgw
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) November 13, 2025

In the five games he's played this year, he's accumulated 11 tackles, three tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, six quarterback hits and 10 pressures. His 74.3 overall grade with Pro Football Focus ranks 30th out of 114 qualified EDs.

Before the season started, defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley shared optimism for a breakout performance from Van Ness, saying, "He's a year older. He's got another year in the scheme. I think he's starting to understand the position, how to use his hands, how to set edges, some pass rush tools, some counter moves."

The Giants have struggled to protect the quarterback, allowing the seventh-most sacks in the NFL (31). Potentially having Van Ness adds another pass rusher to disrupt Jameis Winston, who will start in place of an injured Jaxson Dart.

Kickoff is Sunday at 1 p.m. ET at MetLife Stadium, airing on Fox.

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

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