The bye week couldn't have arrived at a better time for the Green Bay Packers. Now that it has passed, quarterback Jordan Love is healthier, and the team is expected to have back several of the players who missed the Detroit Lions game in Week 9.
Head coach Matt LaFleur told The Athletic's Matt Schneidman, who interviews him for a bi-weekly podcast, that the Packers are optimistic about having cornerback Jaire Alexander, safety Evan Williams, and center Josh Myers back to face the Chicago Bears on Sunday.
Jaire missed the Lions' game because of a knee injury he suffered against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The injury, though, is not expected to be a long-term issue. Meanwhile, rookie Evan Williams handled a hamstring injury.
Starting center Josh Myers has been affected by a wrist injury for two weeks. He was able to play through it against the Jaguars, but not against the Lions, forcing the Packers to move Elgton Jenkins from left guard to center, giving rookie first-round pick Jordan Morgan his first NFL start.
Possibility
There's also a possibility that rookie running back MarShawn Lloyd returns from injured reserve this week. The third-round pick injured his ankle in Week 2 against the Indianapolis Colts and is closer to his return.
Tight end Luke Musgrave is technically eligible to return from IR as well, but he seems to be a longer shot. Green Bay expects him to return later this season, though.
With all these players back, the Packers have obviously a much clearer path to win their first divisional game of the season — so far, they are 0-2 within the NFC North after losses to the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field.
