Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) runs against Green Bay Packers linebacker Quay Walker (7) and linebacker Isaiah McDuffie (58) during the second half at Ford Field in Detroit on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024.
For the first time in quite a while, the Green Bay Packers only have five players on their injury report. Ever since the 2024 NFL season started, it has seemed like Green Bay has always had a plethora of players injured and expected to miss games. Of course, the Packers do not use injuries as an excuse. They have a “next man up” philosophy, one that has helped them achieve a 10-4 record thus far this year.
Most notably, two-time cornerback Jaire Alexander was listed as a full participant in practice both on Wednesday and Thursday. Of course, that was the case last week as well and Alexander still did not play against the Seattle Seahawks. Alexander, of course, is still trying to come back from a torn PCL he suffered against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Corey Ballentine, who is dealing with a knee injury, was listed as a limited participant on Thursday. Luke Musgrave, who is still on injured reserve after needing ankle surgery, was also a limited participant.
Rookie safety Javon Bullard and third-year linebacker Quay Walker did not participate at all.
Green Bay Packers Insider Reveals Quay Walker Is in a Walking Boot
Green Bay Packers linebacker Quay Walker (7) tackles Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane (28) during the second quarter of their game Thursday, November 28, 2024 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Walker left the game against Seattle with an ankle injury and did not return. While he has not been put on injured reserve, Matt LaFleur said earlier this week that his starting linebacker is more week-to-week than day-to-day.
On Thursday, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic shared an observation from practice that seems to collaborate that assessment:
This certainly does not bode well for Walker’s availability on Monday Night Football when the Packers take on the New Orleans Saints. Despite the criticism that he frequently receives from fans, there is no denying the fact that Walker is a huge part of the defense. Losing him may result in more snaps for Edgerrin Cooper, the reigning NFC Defensive Player of the Week, but also means that the linebacker position is still lacking in depth.
Green Bay Packers Linebacker Quay Walker Has Had a Solid 2024 NFL Season
Green Bay Packers linebacker Eric Wilson (45) celebrates interceptiing a pass intended for Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (11) with teammate Quay Walker (7) in the fourth quarter during their football game Sunday, September 15, 2024, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Walker has had his struggles this season, make no mistake. However, he has also shown flashes of the player the Packers envisioned when they took him in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. That being said, his missed tackle percentage is currently 7.8%, the highest of his career thus far.
It is worth noting, though, that one of the biggest criticisms of the Joe Barry defense, the scheme Walker had to play in for his first two seasons, required a great deal of thinking ahead. This season, the Jeff Hafley scheme asks players to react quickly and think less.
Oftentimes, Walker is still overthinking.
Still, the third-year linebacker has 102 tackles and has tied his career-high with 2.5 sacks this year. While he may not be a superstar by any means, he is still a valuable contributor to the defense.
Green Bay will miss him for as long as he is out.