As the Falcons prepare to host the Packers on Sunday, fans are closely watching the clubs’ injury reports.
Atlanta could be without a pair of starting defenders in Jeff Okudah and Troy Andersen. The former is still dealing with an ankle injury that has kept him out for more than a month, while the latter has already been ruled out with a concussion.
For Green Bay, the Cheeseheads are dealing with a laundry list of injured players. Quay Walker is in concussion protocol as well. Christian Watson missed Week 1 and has sat out two straight practices as he nurses a hamstring injury. Walker didn’t practice Friday, but Watson did participate in a limited capacity.
David Bakhtiri is a new name here; the All-Pro left tackle hasn’t practiced all week as he nurses a knee injury, but that is likely due to him being a veteran. He’s questionable, though I expect him to play.
Out of Watson and Walker, neither is the biggest name to watch this week for Falcons fans. The engine that drives the Packers offense is also dealing with a hamstring injury — Aaron Jones.
Green Bay fans are hopeful. Packers head coach Matt LaFleur gave a rather encouraging comment on Jones’ status Thursday, per Rob Demovsky of ESPN. “Anytime he’s out there and has a helmet on, that’s a good sign.” Jones didn’t practice but did rehab work on the side Thursday and again didn’t practice on Friday.
It’s obvious how big of a loss he would be for Green Bay. Against the Bears, the UTEP product had a pair of touchdowns, leading the team in rushing with 41 yards on nine carries as well as receiving with 86 yards on just two catches, one of which he tweaked his hamstring on.
If Jones isn’t able to go, rookie Emanuel Wilson will likely split a portion of the carries with A.J. Dillion, who only mustered 19 yards on 13 carries in Chicago last week. Wilson’s breakout performance came in a preseason game against the Bengals when he put up 111 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.
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