Both teams face key injuries ahead of their NFC showdown, with pivotal players uncertain for Thursday’s matchup.

As the Green Bay Packers prepare for a high-stakes Thursday night game against the Detroit Lions, injuries are casting a long shadow over the matchup. Both teams are dealing with key players recovering from injuries, and the stakes couldn’t be higher as they fight for positioning in the NFC playoff race.

Romeo Doubs’ Concussion Status: A Key Concern

One of the most pressing injury concerns for the Packers is wide receiver Romeo Doubs, who is still in concussion protocol after sustaining the injury during the second half of Green Bay’s loss to San Francisco. While Doubs practiced for the second day in a row on Monday, his availability for Thursday night remains uncertain.

Packers head coach Matt LaFleur weighed in on Doubs’ progress, saying, “We’ll see. But he’s in the protocol, so I don’t know all the nuances of that. They just tell me when he’s cleared.” Doubs has been a vital part of the Packers’ offense this season, contributing 34 receptions for 483 yards and leading the team in third-down conversions for first downs.

Jaire Alexander’s Return Still Uncertain

Cornerback Jaire Alexander, who has missed the last two games due to a knee injury, is also a major question mark for the Packers. Alexander, who tore his PCL during the Week 8 win over Jacksonville, practiced on Monday but still needs to show he’s fully ready to return to action. LaFleur remarked, “We’ve got to see it in practice before we go down that way,” hinting at the team’s cautious approach as they evaluate Alexander’s recovery.

The return of Alexander would be a huge boost for the Packers’ defense, especially considering the high-level performance they will need to slow down Lions quarterback Jared Goff, who’s having an outstanding season.

Green Bay’s Growing Injury List

Alongside Doubs and Alexander, the Packers are dealing with several other injuries. Linebacker Edgerrin Cooper, guard Elgton Jenkins, and cornerback Corey Ballentine were all absent from practice on Monday. Additionally, tight end John FitzPatrick (back) and center Josh Myers (pectoral) were limited in their participation. With such key players nursing injuries, the Packers’ depth will be tested against one of the NFL’s hottest teams.

Lions’ Injury Crisis: 18 Players on IR

The Lions, despite boasting an impressive 11-1 record, are facing their own injury crisis, with four players missing Monday’s practice. Left tackle Taylor Decker (knee) and defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike (hamstring) were among the notable absentees, while the Lions are also dealing with the loss of defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, who was a leading candidate for Defensive Player of the Year before his season-ending injury.

The Lions’ defense, already struggling with injuries, has seen a number of key players go down this season, but Detroit has responded by adding experienced talent. They recently signed linebacker Kwon Alexander and safety Jamal Adams, hoping to bolster their defense amid the mounting injuries. Despite the challenges, Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn expressed confidence in his team’s ability to adapt, saying, “It’s the way that you play that’s the most important.”

A Crucial NFC Showdown

Both the Packers and the Lions will need to overcome these injury hurdles in their critical NFC matchup on Thursday night. For the Lions, maintaining their grip on the NFC North is paramount, while the Packers need a win to keep their playoff hopes alive. With both teams dealing with significant injury challenges, Thursday’s game promises to be a battle of resilience and determination.

As the countdown to Thursday night continues, fans will be watching closely to see which team can navigate their injury woes and claim a pivotal win in the NFC standings.