GREEN BAY – The Packers have listed running back Aaron Jones (knee), cornerbacks Jaire Alexander (shoulder) and Eric Stokes (hamstring), and safety Darnell Savage (chest) as questionable for Monday night’s game against the New York Giants.
The Packers also ruled out receiver Christian Watson (hamstring) and listed linebacker Quay Walker (shoulder) as doubtful.
Watson exited with a hamstring injury late in last Sunday’s 27-19 win over Kansas City and did not practice this week. Green Bay will have the rest of its receiving corps available, though, as Jayden Reed (chest) did not receive a designation for Monday night and is expected to play.
“Christian’s a big part of our offense and he’s really hit his groove,” Head Coach Matt LaFleur said after Saturday’s practice. “He made so many great plays the last few weeks, but I feel good about the other guys. I think they’ve really developed and got a lot of guys we can move in different spots to help pick up for that loss.
“When one guy’s not there, it’s an opportunity for the rest of the group and I think those guys are ready for that challenge.”
Alexander has practiced on a limited basis the past two weeks but hasn’t been cleared to return from the shoulder injury he sustained in a 20-3 win over the Los Angeles Rams last month.
Jones returned to practice in limited fashion this week, his first on-field work since exiting vs. the Los Angeles Chargers on Nov. 19. He told reporters on Friday that he hoped to be out there for some 11-on-11 on Saturday.
“I’ve played at 70(%) and less before,” Jones said. “So, as long as everything’s fine, I’m stable and I can go out there and take a hit and I’m able to get up to a decent amount of speed, I can play through pain and things like that.”
Walker played all 67 snaps against the Chiefs and led the Packers’ defense with 13 tackles but did not practice this week. If Walker is unable to go, Isaiah McDuffie likely would be called upon to make his seventh start of the season.
The third-year linebacker is second on Green Bay’s defense with 64 tackles (41 solo) while filling in for Walker and De’Vondre Campbell this season.
“Isaiah is just so reliable whether it’s on teams or within our defense,” LaFleur said. “He’s played a lot of snaps for us this year. He’s been in, then out, dependent upon the other guy’s availability. But I think when called upon, he’s always answered the bell and excited for his opportunities, as well.”
Stokes was a full participant in all three practices this week but is currently on injured reserve and would need to be activated to the active roster in order to play. The Packers currently have one spot available on their 53.
Guard Elgton Jenkins (shoulder) returned to practice on Friday in a limited capacity and is expected to play Monday.
In addition to Jenkins and Reed, the Packers didn’t issue a game status for the following players who are expected to be available: linebacker De’Vondre Campbell (neck), tight end Josiah Deguara (hip), running back AJ Dillon (groin), linebacker Rashan Gary (shoulder), cornerback Keisean Nixon (wrist), safety Jonathan Owens (knee), and defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt (elbow).
The Giants have ruled out right tackle Evan Neal (ankle) for a fourth straight game and listed five as questionable: defensive tackles Dexter Lawrence (hamstring) and A’Shawn Robinson (hamstring), safety Isaiah Simmons (ankle), receiver Parris Campbell (knee), and tight end Daniel Bellinger (illness).
Lawrence missed his first NFL game due to injury prior to New York’s Week 13 bye but returned to practice in a limited capacity this week. The All-Pro defensive tackle has 41 tackles and four sacks in 11 starts this season.
“He’s one of the best in the league,” LaFleur said. “He’s just a massive human that just does a great job of getting push in the pocket. He’s a big man. He’s hard to move in the run game. He’s one of those guys that he definitely has a tremendous impact on the game both in the run game and in the pass game.”
Neither Bellinger nor Campbell practiced on Friday.
Linebacker Carter Coughlin (hip) and quarterback Tyrod Taylor (ribs) didn’t receive game statuses and are expected to be available.
Christine Lake is a sports fanatic who lives and breathes athletics. With an extensive background in sports journalism, he covers everything from major league championships to grassroots sports events. When she’s not on the field or at the stadium, you’ll find Christine coaching youth sports teams.
