Thursday’s Packers-Chiefs Injury Report: AJ Dillon Is Back, But Two Stars Are Out
The Green Bay Packers may start at least one of their best running backs against the Kansas City Chiefs now that AJ Dillon is back.
GREEN BAY, Wisconsin: The Green Bay Packers’ situation on Thursday looked better in the backfield and secondary, but they may be missing a key player for Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs in their receiver corps.
Jayden Reed, the wide receiver who led the team in touchdowns during the team’s victory over the Detroit Lions last week despite playing through a chest injury, did not practice with the rest of the squad on Thursday.
Before heading toward the workout equipment in the back of the Don Hutson Center on Wednesday, Reed took part in a portion of the pre-practice warm-up. He hung out behind the other players on Thursday and remained indoors once more.
Following practice, coach Matt LaFleur declared, “No setback.”
First with 497 receiving yards, second with five touchdown receptions and six total touchdowns, and a second-round selection, Reed leads the team in receptions with 36.
Not only is he in the top 10 among rookies in terms of receptions, yards, and touchdowns, but he also holds the top spot with seven receptions of thirty yards or more. Since at least 2000, that is the most 30-yard catches by a rookie for the Packers.
“He’s a fierce competitor who has aided us not only in pass plays, but also in simply getting the ball into his hands on screens, reverses, and other situations,” LaFleur remarked. And I adore his competitiveness in both the pass and run games. He has therefore produced plays when given the chance.
Dillon, who had missed the previous two days due to a groin injury, made his way back to practice. With Emanuel Wilson on injured reserve and Aaron Jones still out with a knee injury, Dillon and Patrick Taylor will have to carry the load in the backfield once more against the potent Chiefs defense.
With a game against MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes at the ideal time, the secondary may also be developing.
Jaire Alexander, an All-Pro cornerback, returned to practice for the second day in a row after missing the previous three games due to a shoulder injury.
LaFleur responded, “We’ll have to wait and see,” when asked if Alexander was leaning toward playing.
Darnell Savage, the starting safety, returned to full participation on Wednesday after being sidelined for the previous five games due to a calf injury.
“It feels good,” Savage declared. It feels so much better to be able to practice.