The Green Bay Packers are set to end the 2024 NFL regular season with their Week 18 game against the Chicago Bears, their oldest rival. While both teams’ fanbases came into the season with optimism and hope, only one has seen their faith in their team rewarded.
Green Bay is 11-5 and has already clinched a spot in the NFL Playoffs for the second year in a row. Chicago, meanwhile, is 4-12 and has lost 10 games in a row. While the Packers have their sights set on a postseason run, the Bears have theirs on another top-10 pick in the NFL Draft.
Still, Green Bay does have something to play for on Sunday. A win over the Bears and a Washington Commanders loss to the Dallas Cowboys would elevate them from the seventh seed (and a first round matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles) to the sixth seed (and a matchup with the Los Angeles Rams).
8 Green Bay Packers Players Did Not Practice on Wednesday
According to multiple reporters that are present for practice on Wednesday, the following eight players are not participating:
- Christian Watson
- Jaire Alexander
- Quay Walker
- Evan Williams
- Zayne Anderson
- Brenton Cox
- Andre Dillard
- Elgton Jenkins
While none of these players have been ruled out for Sunday, it will be important to keep an eye on them throughout the week.
Alexander, of course, is still trying to work his way back from a torn PCL. His absence from games over the last several weeks has led many fans to wonder if he will be back with the team in 2025.
Watson missed last week’s game against the Minnesota Vikings with a bruised knee that he suffered against the New Orleans Saints.
Walker is still recovering from a sprained ankle.
Evan Williams has a quad injury that he suffered in practice a few weeks ago.
Anderson and Cox were injured in Green Bay’s last game against Minnesota.
Dillard is likely still in concussion protocol.
Jenkins did not practice on Wednesday of last week either, but participated on Thursday and Friday. It is likely he is getting a veteran rest day.
