Green Bay Packers rule AJ Dillon out for Week 18, Christian Watson questionable
If the Packers are to clinch a playoff spot, they’ll do so without AJ Dillon. Coach Matt LaFleur announced that the running back is out against the Bears.
In addition, LaFleur said that receiver Christian Watson is questionable because of a hamstring issue.
The Packers injury report this week shows that Dillon hasn’t practiced at all this week. LaFleur said it was a stinger. The injury report says head/thumb. Dillon already was contending with a thumb injury. Stinger is a new one.
Plus, safety Rudy Ford also will miss the Packers regular season finale.
The Packers injury list is a lengthy one. But only Dillon and Ford are definitely out. Linebacker Isaiah McDuffie is doubtful.
Green Bay does have a simple Sunday assignment. Beat the Bears and extend their season. The Lions already have won the NFC North. But the Packers qualify for a wild card spot with a victory over the Bears. Of course, they faced a similar situation last January and lost their season finale to Detroit at frigid Lambeau Field. Meanwhile, the Bears’ season is over no matter the outcome. Because of last year’s trade with the Panthers, Chicago already owns the top choice in April’s NFL Draft.
Green Bay Packers injury report for Bears
| Player, Pos. | Injury | *WED. | THURS. | FRI. | GAME STATUS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jaire Alexander, CB | Shoulder | FP | FP | FP | — |
| Zayne Anderson, S | Knee | LP | FP | FP | — |
| De’Vondre Campbell, LB | Neck | FP | FP | FP | — |
| AJ Dillon, RB | Thumb/Neck | DNP | DNP | DNP | Out |
| Rudy Ford, S | Hamstring | DNP | DNP | DNP | Out |
| Elgton Jenkins, G/T | Knee/Ankle | DNP | DNP | LP | Questionable |
| Aaron Jones, RB | Knee/Finger | LP | LP | LP | — |
| Isaiah McDuffie, LB | Concussion/Neck | DNP | DNP | DNP | Doubtful |
| Luke Musgrave, TE | Kidney | LP | LP | LP | Questionable |
| Josh Myers, C/G | Neck | LP | FP | FP | — |
| Keisean Nixon, CB | Quadricep | LP | FP | FP | — |
| Jonathan Owens, S | Knee | LP | LP | LP | — |
| Jayden Reed, WR | Chest | LP | LP | LP | Questionable |
| Darnell Savage, S | Shoulder | FP | FP | FP | — |
| T.J. Slaton, DL | Knee/Foot | LP | LP | LP | — |
| Preston Smith, LB | Ankle | DNP | DNP | LP | Questionable |
| Luke Tenuta, T | Ankle | FP | FP | FP | Questionable |
| Quay Walker, LB | Shoulder | LP | FP | FP | — |
| Christian Watson, WR | Hamstring | LP | LP | DNP | Questionable |
| Dontayvion Wicks, WR | Chest | LP | FP | FP | Questionable |
| Emanuel Wilson, RB | Shoulder | FP | FP | FP | Questionable |
According to the Packers, Musgrave, Tenuta and Wilson are designated to return from injured reserve. All three currently are within their 21-day practice window.