Packers are very healthy heading into critical matchup with Lions

In the NFL, health is a relative term. Everyone is dealing with sore bodies and lingering injuries after 18-plus weeks of football. Still, the Green Bay Packers appear in pretty good shape on the injury front heading into their must-win matchup with the Detroit Lions.

David Bakhtiari, Krys Barnes, Elgton Jenkins, Aaron Jones, Yosh Nijman, Keisean Nixon and Christian Watson were listed as limited while Aaron Rodgers was a did not participate. However, Bakhtiari, Jenkins, Jones, Nixon and Watson all played last week and didn’t report being any worse for the wear following the game. The Packers are likely just being cautious with them. Rodgers was a veteran rest day.

Green Bay only held a walkthrough on Wednesday so the participation was an estimation. Still, it’s great news since the Packers need all hands on deck.

The Green Bay Packers’ health appears to be peaking at the perfect time, as they are relatively healthy heading into their matchup with the Detroit Lions.

It’s safe to believe Jenkins and Jones will play for sure. This is the same practice schedule they’ve been following for weeks, as they’ve been dealing with various ailments. Jones hasn’t been at full strength for a while, but continues to gut it out on game day. Who knows with Bakhtiari.

Another week’s worth of rest will do wonders for Nixon and Watson. The former was limited only to returns and didn’t play on defense. Maybe another week will change that. Watson did get significant snaps on offense and another week should have him feeling even better.

The Lions are also extremely healthy. They only listed three players as did not practice (guard Kayode Awosika, fullback Jason Cabinda and center Frank Ragnow) and two as limited (guard/center Evan Brown and safety DeShon Elliott).

Green Bay has to like their chances with both teams relatively healthy. They have won their last four games and are playing at Lambeau Field in front of a raucous crowd. This should be a fun one.