Packers-Chargers Wednesday Injury Report: Quay Walker Returns, Two Starters Out
GREEN BAY, Wis. – Two Green Bay Packers starters did not participate at the start of Wednesday’s practice, though they were not the same players who were inactive for the loss to the Steelers.
Cornerback Jaire Alexander, who did not play at Pittsburgh due to a shoulder injury, rode a bike in the back corner of the Don Hutson Center. Same with safety Rudy Ford, who was back in the starting lineup vs. the Steelers after missing the victory over the Rams with a calf injury. This time, he’s dealing with an injured biceps.
“He didn’t practice,” LaFleur said of Alexander. “I think he’s getting better but he’s still not ready.”
At Pittsburgh, Alexander and linebacker Quay Walker were inactive. Walker, who missed the last two weeks with a groin injury, was back at practice and went through drills alongside veteran De’Vondre Campbell, fill-in starter Isaiah McDuffie and practice-squad addition Austin Ajiake.
Speaking of additions to the roster, Kyu Blu Kelly, a fifth-round draft pick by the Ravens this year, was claimed off waivers by the team on Monday and made his practice debut.
The status of Alexander, Walker and Ford would be worth watching under any circumstances. Alexander is the team’s All-Pro cornerback, Walker is the team leader in tackles and tackles for losses despite missing the last two games, and Ford is second in tackles, first in interceptions and tied for second with Alexander, among others, in passes defensed.
Their status will be especially important with the high-flying Los Angeles Chargers coming to Lambeau Field on Sunday.
Quarterback Justin Herbert is in the top 10 in the NFL in passer rating, passing yards and touchdowns. He threw four touchdown passes in last week’s loss to the Detroit Lions. Receiver Keenan Allen leads the NFL with 73 receptions and is fourth in yards and sixth in touchdowns. Running back Austin Ekeler, who led the NFL in total touchdowns in 2021 and 2022, is one of the league’s elite dual-threat running backs.
The Chargers are only 4-5 but it’s not because of their offense, which ranks sixth in scoring. Including the 41-38 loss to Detroit, they are 1-2 when scoring 30-plus points.
LaFleur had changed the practice schedule, moving the one allowed padded practice from Thursday to Wednesday. However, Wednesday was deemed a walk-through practice, and the team will not go in pads this week with the short turnaround to the Thanksgiving game at Detroit.
“Kind of where we are physically right now, felt like it was in the best interest of our guys. It was a mental day,” he said.
In Los Angeles, star receiver Keenan Allen did not practice. Coach Brandon Staley said “yeah” when asked if Allen could play this week.
Packers Wednesday Injury Report
Did not participate: S Rudy Ford (bicep), CB Jaire Alexander (shoulder).
Limited: LB Quay Walker (groin), WR Christian Watson (shoulder), running back Aaron Jones (hamstring), LG Elgton Jenkins (knee), DT Kenny Clark (shoulder).
Full: OT Yosh Nijman (back), RG Jon Runyan (neck).
Chargers Wednesday Injury Report
Did not participate: WR Keenan Allen (shoulder), TE Gerald Everett (back), DL Sebastian Joseph-Day (knee), OLB Khalil Mack (rest), TE Donald Parham (hip).
Limited: S T.J. Woods (illness).
Full: OLB Joey Bosa (hand), S Alohi Gilman (elbow), T Rashawn Slater (knee).
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