Nov 17, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander (23) gestures to the fans before the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
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The Green Bay Packers are preparing for their Week 16 matchup with the New Orleans Saints on Monday Night Football. At 10-4, Green Bay just needs to win this game in order to punch their ticket to the NFL Playoffs for the second year in a row. New Orleans, on the other hand, is just 5-9 and is all but eliminated from postseason contention already.
Fortunately for the Packers, they could be getting several players back from injury on Monday night, which will undoubtedly help them as they continue to push for the postseason. The Saints, on the other hand, will be without several of the best players.
The Green Bay Packers Could Get Jaire Alexander and Luke Musgrave Back vs the New Orleans Saints
Jan 14, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Green Bay Packers tight end Luke Musgrave (88) catches a pass against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half for the 2024 NFC wild card game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman
Per the team’s website, the Packers injury report consists of just six players, which is unheard of for this point of the season:
- Jaire Alexander (knee): questionable
- Corey Ballentine (knee): questionable
- Luke Musgrave (ankle): questionable
- Evan Williams (quad): questionable
- Javon Bullard (ankle): out
- Quay Walker (ankle): out
Unlike last week when he was a full participant in practice twice before not practicing at all on the last day of the week, Alexander was a full participant all week. The two-time Pro Bowl cornerback is trying to come back from a torn PCL that he suffered against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Musgrave, who had ankle surgery earlier this season, was a limited participant all week. Since he is still on injured reserve, Green Bay would need to create a spot for him on their 53-man roster if he is activated to play.
Ballentine was active last week against the Seattle Seahawks, but only played two special teams snaps.
Williams’ quad injury is a new addition to the report. He did not have an injury designation on Wednesday or Thursday this week.
The New Orleans Saints Will Be Without Their Best Players vs the Green Bay Packers
Sep 12, 2021; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) runs with the ball in the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck
Whereas the Packers are getting some of their best players back from injury, the Saints have already ruled many of their star players out:
- Derek Carr (left hand): out
- Alvin Kamara (groin): out
- Bub Means (ankle): out
- Marquez Valdes-Scantling (chest/illness): questionable
- Chase Young (illness): active
- Juwan Johnson (foot): active
- Chris Olave (head): out
As one can see, New Orleans will be facing the Packers without their starting quarterback, starting running back, and best wide receiver.
That receiver, Olave, has not played since November 3. He sustained a terrible head injury on an illegal hit against the Carolina Panthers that day.