Tag: Green Bay

Packers placing WR/CB Bo Melton on IR, ruled out for playoffs

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Green Bay Packers’ versatile Bo Melton will be placed on injured reserve because of a knee issue that is not a torn ACL and will miss the playoffs, coach Matt LaFleur said Wednesday.

Melton has contributed at wide receiver and on special teams while practicing and being listed as a reserve cornerback on the depth chart because of issues in the defensive secondary.

Green Bay (9-7-1) plays the host Chicago Bears (11-6) in the wild-card round of the NFC playoffs on Saturday.

Melton, 26, was injured in the Packers’ 16-3 road loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.

“That’s a big loss for us,” LaFleur said of Melton in his pre-practice press conference on Wednesday. “(He’s) just a Swiss army knife. There’s nothing he can’t do. I wouldn’t put it past him. I just love the energy he brings to our football team, a great competitor.

“The moment is never too big. He can make plays in all three phases. It’s unfortunate, but somebody else is going to have to step up.”

Melton has four catches on 13 targets for 107 yards and one touchdown — a 45-yarder in a 28-21 win over the visiting Bears on Dec. 7 — in 16 games (one start) this season. He also rushed five times for 35 yards and returned 19 kickoffs for 467 yards, a 24.6-yard average.

For his career, Melton has 28 receptions on 54 targets for 416 yards and two touchdowns in 38 games (two starts) since the 2023 season.

The Seattle Seahawks selected Melton in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft and released him on Aug. 30, 2022. The Packers signed him to the practice squad the next day.

–Field Level Media

Reports: Packers claim former Cowboys CB Trevon Diggs

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The Green Bays bolstered an ailing defensive secondary on Wednesday by claiming cornerback Trevon Diggs off waivers from the Dallas Cowboys, according to multiple media reports.

The Cowboys released the two-time Pro Bowl cornerback on Tuesday. Dallas coach Brian Schottenheimer said Wednesday that Diggs was waived for multiple reasons, not just because he didn’t fly home with the team on Christmas after a win over the Washington Commanders. Diggs asked the coach if he could stay in his native Maryland to spend the holiday with family and was denied, then skipped the team flight.

The 27-year-old veteran would become a free agent if he went unclaimed, and any team claiming him would be on the hook for Diggs’ base salary of $472,000 for Week 18, plus $58,823 if he is active for this week’s game, per ESPN.

The playoff-bound Packers are short-handed after placing safety Zayne Anderson (ankle) and cornerback Nate Hobbs (knee) on injured reserve on Wednesday. Safety Johnathan Baldwin was signed from the practice squad to the active roster, and cornerback Tyron Herring was signed to the practice squad. Kamal Hadden (ankle) was placed on IR on Tuesday, and wide receiver Bo Melton moved across the line for more depth at cornerback.

Green Bay coach Matt LaFleur said Wednesday that some starters won’t play on Sunday at Minnesota, which might mean resting starting cornerbacks Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine. The Packers (9-6-1) are seeded seventh in the NFC playoffs, and the Vikings (8-8) are out of the playoff race.

Diggs, a second-round pick by Dallas in the 2020 NFL Draft, signed a five-year, $97 million extension in July 2023 — with money guaranteed after this season. Since the signing, he has played in just 21 of a possible 50 games, dealing with multiple injuries.

He sustained a torn ACL in practice two games into the 2023 campaign and missed the rest of the season.

Diggs was activated from the physically unable to perform list in August after missing the final six games of the 2024 season with a left knee injury.

He then landed on injured reserve on Oct. 25, reportedly to address a right knee issue, although he also reportedly suffered a concussion in an “accident at his home” at some point after a Week 6 loss to the Carolina Panthers. Schottenheimer and owner Jerry Jones did not share details of the incident or explain how Diggs was injured.

Diggs returned to action for the Cowboys’ past two games, notching a combined seven tackles in a loss to the Los Angeles Chargers and a win over the Commanders.

Diggs has 25 tackles in eight games (six starts) this season for the Cowboys (7-8-1), whose season ends on the road Sunday against the New York Giants.

In 66 career games (63 starts), Diggs has 20 interceptions, 63 passes defensed and 240 tackles. He was named first-team All-Pro in 2021, when he led the league with 11 interceptions and returned two of them for touchdowns. He made the Pro Bowl in 2021 and 2022.

–Field Level Media

Ravens QB Lamar Jackson (back) inactive for game vs. Packers

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Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson has been downgraded from doubtful and is inactive for the Ravens’ game Saturday night at Green Bay because of a back contusion.

The two-time NFL Most Valuable Player missed practice all week after being kneed in the back in the first half of the 28-24 loss Sunday to the New England Patriots.

Tyler Huntley will start for the Ravens (7-8), who need to beat Green Bay (9-5-1) to avoid elimination from the playoffs.

Baltimore is 6-6 with Jackson and 1-2 without him this season as he also missed three games in October because of a hamstring injury.

The Packers on Friday ruled out starting quarterback Jordan Love, who is in concussion protocol on Friday after being hurt in the first half of a 22-16 overtime loss at Chicago.

Backup Malik Willis, who missed Wednesday’s practice (illness) and was limited on Tuesday and Thursday (shoulder), is expected to get the start.

Other inactives for the Ravens are wide receiver Tylan Wallace, cornerback Keyon Martin, offensive tackle Joseph Noteboom and defensive tackle Aeneas Peebles.

Other inactives for the Packers are offensive lineman Zach Tom, wide receiver Savion Williams and defensive linemen Collin Oliver, Nazir Stackhouse and Barryn Sorrell.

–Field Level Media

Jordan Love (concussion protocol) participates in Packers walk-through

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Starting quarterback Jordan Love was a limited participant in the Green Bay Packers’ practice on Tuesday, the maximum he was allowed to do while in the concussion protocol.

Love left Saturday’s overtime loss to the Chicago Bears in the second quarter when he took a helmet-to-helmet blow from the Bears’ Austin Booker.

According to reports, Love spent Tuesday taking part in the Packers’ walk-through for Saturday’s home game against the Baltimore Ravens. Backup quarterback Malik Willis, who injured his right shoulder during the waning moments of regulation in Chicago, also was limited.

Green Bay (9-5-1) is on the verge of earning its sixth playoff berth in seven years. The Packers need to win one of their final two games or the Detroit Lions need to lose one of their final two. The Lions (8-7) travel to the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday, so the Packers’ eagerness for Love or Willis to play on Saturday could wane if the Lions lose.

“We’ve got to see how they progress throughout the course of the week,” Packers head coach Matt LaFleur told reporters. “So by no means are they in the clear.”

Love has started every game this season and completed 66.3% of his passes for 3,381 yards, 23 touchdowns and six interceptions. His quarterback rating sits at 101.2, his best showing since taking the offense’s reins prior to the 2023 season.

Willis hit nine of 11 passes for 121 yards and one touchdown in Love’s stead on Saturday. He also rushed 10 times for 44 yards in his most extensive action this season.

–Field Level Media

Bears rally, beat Packers in OT; Jordan Love suffers concussion

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Caleb Williams hit DJ Moore with a 46-yard touchdown pass in overtime as the Chicago Bears overcame a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit for a 22-16 victory over the visiting Green Bay Packers on Saturday night, securing their hold on first place in the NFC North.

Along with losing to their longtime rivals, the Packers lost quarterback Jordan Love to a concussion in the second quarter on a helmet-to-helmet hit by Austin Booker.

Chicago recovered an onside kick to set up the tying touchdown on a fourth-and-4 play, a 6-yard pass from Williams to free agent rookie Jahdae Walker to tie it at 16-all with 24 seconds remaining in regulation.

Green Bay drove to the Chicago 36 on the first series in overtime, but reserve quarterback Malik Willis fumbled the snap on fourth-and-1.

On the ensuing possession, Kyle Monangai carried for 11 yards on third-and-3 for a first down at the Packers 46. Williams then hit Moore with the game-winner.

Cairo Santos’ third field goal of the game, a 43-yarder with 1:59 remaining, pulled Chicago within 16-9.

Romeo Doubs was unable to corral the onside kick and the Bears recovered for a first down at their own 47. Williams then hit a wide-open Walker in the right corner of the end zone.

Chicago (11-4) maintained first place in the division over Green Bay (9-5-1), which defeated the Bears 28-21 at home two weeks ago.

Willis, who came on when Jordan Love was injured on a second-quarter sack, directed three scoring drives, including a 33-yard touchdown pass to Doubs that put Green Bay in front 13-3 with 33 seconds left in the third quarter.

Santos answered on the Bears’ next possession with a 51-yard field goal to make it 13-6. Brandon McManus countered with a 28-yard field goal to extend the lead to 10 with 5:03 left.

Williams completed 19 of 34 passes for 250 yards and two touchdowns. D’Andre Swift ran for 58 yards and Monangai added 50.

The Packers ran for 192 yards, including 82 by Emanuel Wilson. Willis completed 9 of 11 passes for 121 yards and also ran for 44 yards. Josh Jacobs was limited to 36 rushing yards on 12 carries. Before he exited, Love completed 8 of 13 passes for 77 yards.

After being blanked in the first half, the Bears got on the board on the opening possession of the third quarter, pulling within 6-3 on Santos’ 46-yard field goal. Williams keyed the drive with a 34-yard pass to Monangai.

Green Bay responded with a drive to the Bears’ 3-yard line, but Jacobs’ fumble was recovered by Chicago.

Willis came on to replace Love with first down at the Green Bay 32. Willis continued the 16-play, 91-yard drive that ended with McManus’ 22-yard field goal that put the Packers in front 6-0 at the half.

McManus’ 26-yarder put Green Bay ahead 3-0 early in the second quarter.

Each team failed on fourth-and-1 inside its 10-yard line on its opening possession.

–Field Level Media

Packers’ Jordan Love (possible concussion) questionable to return vs. Bears

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Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love is being evaluated for a concussion and is questionable to return in Saturday night’s road game against the Chicago Bears.

Love, 27, went down on a sack after a helmet-to-helmet hit midway through the seconds quarter.

Green Bay was ahead 3-0 with 8:21 before halftime, Love was sacked on first down from the Packers’ 17-yard line, but Chicago’s Austin Booker was flagged for roughing the passer.

Malik Willis came on to replace Love, who had completed 8 of 13 passes for 77 yards before leaving the showdown between NFC North leaders.

The Packers concluded the 16-play, 91-yard drive with Brandon McManus’ second field goal of the game, a 22-yarder, for a 6-0 lead.

Love entered the game having completed 66.4% of his passes for 3,304 yards with 23 touchdowns and six interceptions in 14 games. Willis, 26, had played in two games, completed all three pass attempts for 13 yards and one TD.

–Field Level Media

RB Josh Jacobs, other Packers might be game-time decisions

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Already without star defensive end Micah Parsons for the rest of the season, the Green Bay Packers are dealing with other key injuries — namely star running back Josh Jacobs — ahead of Saturday’s crucial divisional showdown at the Chicago Bears.

Jacobs (knee), starting right tackle Zach Tom (back/knee), starting safety Evan WIlliams (knee) and starting wide receiver Christian Watson (chest/shoulder) have not practiced all week, but Green Bay coach Matt LaFleur said on Thursday that he is not ready to rule out any of them with first place on the line.

The Packers (9-4-1), who beat Chicago in Week 14, are a half-game behind the Bears (10-4) in the NFC North.

“We’ve got a lot of guys — this injury list is pretty substantial — so we’ve got a lot of things to figure out over these next couple of days,” LaFleur told reporters.

“I know every one of these guys is going to be fighting to make it by gametime.”

Along with the knee injury he has been battling for weeks, Jacobs is also dealing with an ankle issue. The 27-year-old has rushed for 890 yards and 13 touchdowns in 13 games this season. He also has 33 receptions for 270 yards and one score.

If Jacobs does sit, Emanuel Wilson would take over lead back duties, while Darian Kinnard would be in line to replace Tom. Kinnard replaced Tom after the latter left Sunday’s loss to the Denver Broncos after Jacobs’ receiving touchdown in the second quarter. Jordan Morgan, Green Bay’s 2024 first-round draft pick, could also see time at right tackle.

Wilson filled in for Jacobs in Week 12 and rushed for 107 yards and two touchdowns on 28 carries. For the season, Wilson, 26, has rushed for 354 yards and three scores on 90 carries in 14 games.

Williams told reporters Wednesday that he sprained his MCL and considered himself day-to-day. Zayne Anderson took over for Williams and is a candidate to start if Williams can’t go Saturday, though Green Bay could also move slot corner Javon Bullard to safety.

Watson, who left Sunday’s loss after Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II landed on him while intercepting a pass, was taken to a hospital for tests but was cleared of any serious injury and may suit up Saturday.

LaFleur said it will depend on how the 26-year-old is able to manage the pain in his chest and shoulder and whether those areas affect his performance. Watson has 28 receptions for 481 yards and five TDs in eight games this season.

–Field Level Media

Report: MRI shows ACL tear for Packers DE Micah Parsons

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An MRI on Monday confirmed Green Bay Packers defensive end Micah Parsons has a torn ACL in his left knee that will end his season, ESPN reported.

In Sunday’s 34-26 road loss to the Denver Broncos, Parsons collapsed in a heap and clutched his knee after attempting to take down Broncos quarterback Bo Nix in the final minute of the third quarter. The two-time All-Pro walked to the locker room with the help of medical personnel. The Packers quickly announced he was questionable to return before downgrading him to out during the fourth quarter.

Parsons, 26, acknowledged a serious injury in a post to social media Monday.

“I may be sidelined, but I am not defeated. This injury is my greatest test — a moment God allowed to strengthen my testimony. I believe He walks with me through this storm and chose me for this fight because He knew my heart could carry it,” Parsons posted to X on Monday.

“I’m deeply grateful to the Packers organization and my teammates for their unwavering support, love, and belief in me during this season. I trust His timing, His plan, and His purpose. I will rise again.”

Packers coach Matt LaFleur acknowledged the severity of the injury following the loss, saying, “It doesn’t look good. I’ll leave it at that.”

The loss to the Broncos dealt a blow to the Packers’ playoff hopes, dropping Green Bay down to the No. 7 (and final) playoff seed. A continued absence for Parsons will only add to Green Bay’s challenges.

Picked 12th overall by the Cowboys in the 2021 NFL Draft, Parsons came into Sunday with 12.5 sacks in his first season with Green Bay. He was traded from the Cowboys to the Packers in August following a contract dispute.

Immediately after the trade, Parsons signed a four-year, $186 million contract with the Packers that included $120 million fully guaranteed and $136 million in total guarantees.

–Field Level Media

Packers place OL Elgton Jenkins (leg) on injured reserve

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The Green Bay Packers placed center Elgton Jenkins on injured reserve on Tuesday due to a leg injury and he will miss at least four games.

ESPN reported that Jenkins, a two-time Pro Bowl selection, fractured his fibula and could be out for longer.

He was hurt when quarterback Jordan Love rolled into his leg while Love was being tackled late in the first half of a 10-7 home loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night. The team announced that Jenkins injured his ankle and he was replaced for the rest of the game by Sean Rhyan.

Packers coach Matt LaFleur said after the game that the injury “doesn’t sound promising.”

Jenkins, 29, started nine games at center this season and 94 of 96 regular-season games since 2019 at guard, tackle or center. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2020 (left guard) and 2022 (left guard/right tackle) before moving this season to center.

Green Bay selected Jenkins in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft out of Mississippi State.

In a corresponding move on Tuesday, the Packers signed linebacker Kristian Welch from the practice squad to the active roster.

Welch, 27, has played in two games this season and has one tackle. He was in on 60% of the special teams snaps. He has played in 74 career regular-season games (two starts) for the Baltimore Ravens (2020-22, 2024), Denver Broncos (2024) and Packers (2023, 2025).

–Field Level Media

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (9) flexes as he does a “Lambeau Leap” with Packers fans after scoring a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, October 13, 2024, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers won the game, 34-13 Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Packers WR Christian Watson returns from PUP list

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Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson was on the practice field Monday for the first time since tearing his right ACL in Week 18 last season.

The Packers have designated Watson to return from the physically unable to perform list and opened his 21-day practice window, according to multiple reports.

Watson, 26, set career highs in receiving yards (620), yards per catch (21.4) and games (15) in 2024 before hurting his knee on Jan. 5 and missing the Packers’ wild-card playoff loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

A second-round draft pick in 2022, Watson has 98 catches for 1,653 yards and 14 touchdowns in 38 career games (35 starts).

Watson signed a one-year, $11 million contract extension last month, keeping him with Green Bay through at least the 2026 season.

The Packers (2-1-1) are coming off a bye week and host the Cincinnati Bengals (2-3) on Sunday at Lambeau Field.

–Field Level Media