Reinforcements Returning as the Packers Gear Up for December Football

The Green Bay Packers looked like they were walking wounded after last Thursday’s defeat in Detroit. Now, it looks like they’re going to get some of their guys back for a big showdown in Seattle.

December football is here!

The Green Bay Packers left their first taste of December football beaten, battered, and bruised.

As it turns out, however, they are not broken.

Jaire Alexander missed last Thursday’s 34-31 loss to the Detroit Lions with a knee injury.

Ditto for Romeo Doubs.

Javon Bullard and Evan Williams left that game.

By the end of the game, Zayne Anderson was taking reps at safety for Green Bay’s battered secondary.

No disrespect to Anderson, but he is a career special teams player.

As a result, the passing game led by Jared Goff and the Lions diced up Green Bay’s secondary.

When the game ended, questions about Green Bay’s immediate future looked murky.

Bullard left Ford Field in a walking boot.

Evan Williams was in the concussion protocol. So was Romeo Doubs.

Jaire Alexander had missed three straight games with what he confirmed was a PCL injury.

Now, it appears the Packers could have all but Bullard back for Sunday’s showdown in Seattle.

Here’s a look at all of the pieces that Green Bay has, and their injury status.

Jaire Alexander

Let’s start with the big one.

Alexander has missed three games with a knee injury, and 16 of the last 30 games whether by injury or suspension.

There is some question as to whether Alexander is long for Green Bay, but those can be put to bed until after the season is over.

For now, it looks like Alexander is set to make his return this week. He was a full participant in practice each of the last two days.

Barring a setback, Alexander should return to as secondary that sorely misses him when he is gone.

This is true, if for no other reason than it keeps Eric Stokes on the sideline.

With Seattle’s trio of receivers next on the schedule, the Packers need as many quality cornerbacks that they can find.

Alexander’s return should be a big boost for the passing defense.

“When Ja is healthy, he’s one of the best corners in our league,” defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley said. “Week in and week out, when you’re playing against some premier players, sometimes it’s helpful to have a premier player to have out there with him.”

Evan Williams

Williams has practiced in full each of the last two days as well as he works his way through the concussion protocol.

He is still in the protocol according to Matt LaFleur, but the Packers are hopeful that he can clear before Sunday’s game against Seattle.

The Seahawks will try to beat Green Bay deep, which is something teams have not done often this season.

That’s largely due to the presence of Xavier McKinney, but Williams has been helpful in that department as well.

Romeo Doubs

Doubs’ injury is entering a scary territory. He suffered his concussion on November 24 during Green Bay’s blowout win over the San Francisco 49ers.

He missed the Thanksgiving Day game, which was to be expected given it was just four days later.

He was still ruled out of the following game against Detroit.

According to Matt LaFleur he is still in concussion protocol nearly three weeks removed from the injury.

Head injuries are nothing to mess with, but Doubs has practiced in full the last two days. They’re hopeful he can get over the final hurdle before Sunday’s game.

Edgerrin Cooper

Cooper didn’t mince words when asked about his injury status.

“Real good, real good,” he said during his media availability. “Ready to roll, ready to roll.”

Green Bay’s defense desperately needs his playmaking in the middle.

The Lions sliced them apart in the middle of the field, taking advantage of the coverage shortcomings of Quay Walker, Isaiah McDuffie, and Eric Wilson.

Cooper has flashed ability to make plays down the field in coverage this year, and they’ll likely need his presence against the Seahawks’ stable of running backs, and slot receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

Luke Musgrave

Musgrave isn’t going to play this week, but he was designated for return from injured reserve.

Musgrave has been out for 2 1/2 months following surgery for a torn tendon in his ankle.

Musgrave had ceded control of the tight end position to Tucker Kraft, but he can add a dimension to the offense that even Kraft does not provide.

Musgrave can stretch the seam, and make the Packers truly dangerous in both run and pass situations out of their two tight end sets.

Musgrave has practiced the last two days. He’s unlikely to play on Sunday, but they should get him back for the final stretch of the season.

 

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