This season marked the first season for the Green Bay Packers without their vet starter, Aaron Rodgers, since he took over from Brett Favre. While Rodgers joined the New York Jets and met an unfortunate season-ending injury, the Green Bay team has been taking forward their ship smoothly with Jordan Love in the driver position, for which Rodgers himself raved about Love.
As the NFL season finale is knocking at the door, the Green Bay team is now poised to ensure their playoff run amid the unavailability of two of their key players for their Week 18 game against the Chicago Bears.
Rudy Ford and A.J. Dillon won’t play the Packers’ must-win Week 18 game
With A.J. Dillon and Rudy Ford sidelined for the season finale, the Green Bay Packers will begin their pivotal Week 18 game against the Bears without two important players. Confirming the absence of these impactful contributors, the announcement was made by the team’s head coach, Matt LaFleur.
On the defensive front, the Packers will enter the game without safety Rudy Ford, who, after playing through a back issue in the Week 17 victory over the Vikings, is now dealing with a hamstring problem. Prior to the injury, he played in 13 games, making a career-high nine starts and leading the team with two interceptions, per Yahoo Sports.
In his absence, rookie seventh-rounder Anthony Johnson is poised to step into the safety position alongside Darnell Savage and Jonathan Owens.
Meanwhile, A.J. Dillon’s absence is attributed to thumb and neck injuries sustained during the third quarter of the Packers’ game against the Vikings. Despite initially being designated as questionable to return with a neck stinger, Dillon’s broken thumb and the lingering effects of the stinger will sideline him for the critical Week 18 clash.
Prior to his injury, Dillon proved his versatility, amassing 613 rushing yards, two touchdowns, and 223 receiving yards in what has been a solid season for the running back. Nevertheless, his 836 total yards and two total touchdowns stand as his lowest marks in a season since his rookie year.
To compensate for Dillon’s absence, the Packers are expected to turn to Patrick Taylor, who will likely shoulder the running-back responsibilities. Additionally, the team may activate Emanuel Wilson from injured reserve, considering he is questionable for the game.
Packers must defeat the Bears to qualify for NFC playoffs
Thanks to a convincing victory over the Minnesota Vikings in their Sunday night matchup, the Packers are on the verge of playoff glory. With only one more hurdle standing between them and postseason contention, the Packers find themselves in a win-or-lose situation as they prepare to face the Chicago Bears at the iconic Lambeau Field.
The Packers’ recent surge in form, winning five of their last seven games, has propelled them into a position where their playoff destiny lies in their own hands. Notably, the Packers have enjoyed dominance over the Bears, boasting an unblemished 5-0 record since quarterback Justin Fields assumed the helm.
As the Seattle Seahawks lost a game-changing matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Packers’ playoff prospects improved. This outcome significantly boosted the Packers’ chances of making the playoffs, giving them a distinct advantage.
The Packers are eagerly anticipating the upcoming game against the Bears, as a win would secure their spot in the postseason. This would be a significant achievement for the team, as they haven’t made it to the playoffs since the 2021 season.
While the Packers control their destiny with a win, there’s a precarious scenario if they falter against the Bears. In this less-than-ideal situation, they would have to rely on external factors and hope that fate aligns in their favor, a prospect that Jordan Love’s team surely wishes to avoid.
The Packers are gearing up for a crucial match, with Lambeau Field serving as the stage where their playoff destiny hangs in the balance. The upcoming Packers-Bears game is highly anticipated by fans, who are eagerly waiting to see if Green Bay can secure their spot in the playoffs. It is a crucial moment in the team’s journey.
