The Green Bay Packers will enter Thursday Night Football against the Detroit Lions with several key players sidelined, marking a challenging test for the team as they aim to maintain momentum.
After days of uncertainty, the Packers have officially ruled out four players ahead of the game. The absentees are mainly on the defensive side, with cornerback Jaire Alexander (knee), cornerback Corey Ballentine (knee), and linebacker Edgerrin Cooper (hamstring) all confirmed out. Additionally, wide receiver Romeo Doubs will miss the game after failing to clear concussion protocols.
Alexander, a two-time Pro Bowler, will miss his third consecutive game, having played just 10 snaps over the past five weeks. Cooper, who has not practiced since November 20, will also be absent for a third straight week. Ballentine, who injured his knee during the Packers’ Thanksgiving victory over the Miami Dolphins, will miss his first game after being unable to practice this week.
On the opposing side, the Detroit Lions will also be without four key players: Josh Paschal (knee), DJ Reader (shoulder), Taylor Decker (knee), and Levi Onwuzurike (hamstring), all of whom are recovering from injuries.
With Doubs out, second-year receiver Dontayvion Wicks is poised to step up and fill the void. Wicks, who saw his highest snap count of the season (83%) in the win over Miami, caught four passes for 30 yards. The 23-year-old wide receiver will look to build on that performance and make the most of his opportunity, especially after a quiet showing in Week 9, when he failed to catch any of his three targets in a loss to the Lions. This season, Wicks has tallied 21 receptions for 247 yards and four touchdowns.
With both teams dealing with significant injuries, Thursday night’s showdown promises to be a high-stakes matchup, and Wicks could be the key to the Packers’ success as they take on the Lions.
