The Green Bay Packers are 6-2 and right in the thick of the early race for supremacy in both the NFC North and NFC in general. Their opponent this weekend, the Detroit Lions, are 6-1 and lead currently lead both. With the race for first place in the division so close at the halfway point of the season, it is entirely possible that the outcome of this game will have playoff implications.
Unfortunately, both teams are dealing with some substantial injuries to some of their key players. Pro Bowl pass rusher Aidan Hutchenson is out for the year after tearing his ACL in the Lions’ blowout victory over the Dallas Cowboys a couple of weeks ago. Detroit also has already ruled out two other defensive linemen, Brodric Martin and Josh Paschal.
The Packers, too, have multiple players dealing with injuries that could affect their status on Sunday. One of these players, however, has already been ruled out.
Green Bay Packers Rookie Safety Evan Williams Will Not Play vs the Detroit Lions
According to the Packers’ injury report on Friday, rookie safety Evan Williams, who has taken over as the second starting safety opposite Xavier McKinney, is not going to play on Sunday against the Lions. Williams suffered a hamstring injury in Green Bay’s last game, a win against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Packers fans were not thrilled with the update:
Yeah we’re losing 🫠. Why do we have to be so banged up when we go against our division
— Eric Miller (@EricMil42852846) November 1, 2024
No evan Williams is a killer
— McHimmey Enjoyer (@Crypto_Sire23) November 1, 2024
IOW a blowout win for the Lions. The game will be over in the 1st quarter!
— LionsAreFavoredBy62 (@CDoci68876) November 1, 2024
The good news is that reports earlier this week stated that Williams’ injury is not serious. With the Packers getting their Bye Week after Week Nine, it is very likely that he will be back when Green Bay faces Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears in Week 11.
In eight games (three starts) played this season, Williams has 28 tackles, an interception, and three passes defended. He also has a forced fumble. Opposing quarterbacks struggle when targeting the Packers rookie, having completed just 50% of their passes for a 45.8 passer rating when throwing his way.
With Williams out, his fellow rookie safety, Javon Bullard, will likely be the other starting safety.
Other Green Bay Packers Players Who Could Miss Sunday’s Game vs the Detroit Lions
While there are multiple players on the Packers injury report, Williams is the only one who has been ruled out. However, starting center Josh Myers is listed as doubtful with a wrist injury.
If Myers is unable to play, it will drastically change Green Bay’s offensive line. Elgton Jenkins is the most likely replacement at center, but he is also the Packers’ starting left guard. In the case that Jenkins has to replace Myers, Sean Rhyan may shift from right guard to left guard and rookie Jordan Morgan would fill Rhyan’s usual position.
Starting quarterback Jordan Love practiced Thursday and Friday, but Matt LaFleur said that they will give him up to game time to decide if he will play. As fans may recall, he was taken out of the Jaguars game with a groin injury.
Two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jaire Alexander is also listed as questionable, but unlike Love has not practiced all week. He suffered a knee injury on the defense’s final play against Jacksonville. Like Williams, though, tests revealed that his ailment is not serious. If he does miss the Detroit game, he will be back following the bye.
