This afternoon (or morning, for those on the west coast), the Green Bay Packers will travel to the Detroit Lions as 8.5 (!!) point underdogs for the first time since 2017, and only the second time since 1972!
So, if the Packers want to pull off an unlikely victory (or be in this game at all), having key players available is a must. With injuries this year to star left tackle, David Bakhtiari (who remains on IR), Jaire Alexander, Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon, the Packers have had plenty of reasons to cross their fingers these past few weeks.
Now, with the bout in Detroit imminent, these players’ statuses have been revealed, per Ian Rapoport.
The #Packers will have RB AJ Dillon today, as he’s active. The other questionable players, including Jaire Alexander and Rudy Ford, are out. Aaron Jones had already been ruled out.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 23, 2023
What This Means For The Green Bay Packers
This is not the outcome that Green Bay was looking for. In fact, in the nicest way possible, of all of the 3 major players questionable; Dillon, Alexander and Jones – AJ Dillon was likely the most expendable, coming off recent games where he has struggled to demonstrate that he is truly capable of being a #1 RB for an NFL franchise.
The secondary will now likely get scorched by the Detroit Lions powerhouse offence that ranks 2nd in yards/game (behind the Miami Dolphins) and 7th points/game. Despite surprisingly impressive play from 7th round rookie, Carrington Valentine, the secondary is now down to only backups with no Jaire Alexander and Eric Stokes or safeties, Darnell Savage and Rudy Ford.
And offensively, this is yet another injury for the Green Bay Packers, who lost impressive rookies, Dontayvion Wicks and Luke Musgrave to a concussion and lacerated kidney, respectively. Even beyond this, the Packers are without starting former All-Pro linebacker DeVondre Campbell, and second choice tight end, Josiah Deguara.
The good news is for Green Bay is that this will likely contribute to them finally getting a top 10 draft pick next season, and getting in position to (hopefully) draft either a quarterback or premium rookie on the offensive side of the ball!
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