The stage is set for one of the NFL’s most storied rivalries as the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears square off at Soldier Field for a pivotal Week 16 showdown. But as fans pour into the stadium on this chilly December evening, the storylines swirling around the teams are dominated by injuries, last-minute lineup decisions, and the resilience of key playmakers determined to make an impact despite physical setbacks.
Both teams released their official inactive lists roughly 90 minutes before kickoff, confirming what many had feared and hoped for throughout the week. For the Packers, the absence of right tackle Zach Tom and safety Evan Williams—both sidelined with knee injuries—looms large. Tom, the anchor of Green Bay’s offensive line, suffered his injuries late in the first half during last week’s contest in Denver, leaving a gaping hole on the right side. Williams, now in his second season, has quietly become a superb run defender, and his absence is especially glaring given the Bears’ status as the NFC’s top rushing offense.
Green Bay’s head coach Matt LaFleur faces a tricky situation up front. With Tom out, Darian Kinnard, who’s been battling a neck injury himself but is active tonight, is expected to step in at right tackle. Kinnard’s versatility has been a lifeline for the Packers this season, having already logged snaps at tight end in a pinch. As for the tight end corps, Green Bay will be down to just two healthy players at the position after Josh Whyle was ruled out with a concussion. The Packers didn’t elevate a practice squad tight end, signaling confidence in their remaining options—or perhaps necessity dictating their hand.
But it’s not all doom and gloom for the visitors. Running back Josh Jacobs, who could barely walk to his locker just days ago, is active and ready to go despite a lingering knee injury that he aggravated in Denver. Last week, Jacobs managed to return after the setback, racking up 73 yards on 12 carries, including a blistering 40-yard touchdown run—his longest as a Packer. He also snagged a 14-yard touchdown catch, only the second receiving score of his career. Still, the big question remains: How close to full speed will Jacobs be tonight? According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, “Josh Jacobs is pushing to play through his knee injury,” a testament to his toughness and importance to the Packers’ offense.
Joining Jacobs in the lineup is wide receiver Christian Watson, who suffered a chest and shoulder injury after a hard fall in last week’s loss to Denver. Watson required evaluation at a Denver hospital but was determined to suit up for this critical divisional matchup. “Christian Watson is expected to be active,” reported Tom Pelissero of NFL Media, and the Packers will surely look to his speed and big-play ability to stretch the Bears’ secondary.
Among the ten Packers listed as questionable on the final injury report, seven will play: Jacobs, Watson, Dontayvion Wicks (ankle), Chris Brooks (chest), Kingsley Enagbare (illness), Brenton Cox Jr. (groin), and Darian Kinnard. Wicks, who reaggravated his ankle injury two weeks ago against these very Bears, is coming off a limited stretch but has shown flashes of brilliance—his six-catch, 94-yard, two-touchdown performance against Detroit on Thanksgiving still fresh in fans’ minds.
The Packers’ inactive list is rounded out by defensive linemen Nazir Stackhouse and Quinton Bohanna, both healthy scratches, and tight end Josh Whyle. Meanwhile, Green Bay’s injured reserve continues to grow, with star linebacker Micah Parsons (season-ending injury), tight end Tucker Kraft, center Elgton Jenkins, defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt, special teamer Nick Niemann, and running back MarShawn Lloyd all sidelined.
On the other side, the Bears are mostly healthy but not without their own significant losses. Wide receivers Rome Odunze (foot) and Luther Burden III (ankle) are both out, leaving Chicago thin at the position. Veterans D.J. Moore and Olamide Zaccheaus are expected to shoulder the load, but the absence of two dynamic young playmakers could limit the Bears’ aerial attack. Running back D’Andre Swift, listed as questionable with a groin injury, is expected to play, providing a crucial boost to the ground game. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, “Swift and rookie Kyle Monangai will be go-to players for Ben Johnson against the Packers.”
The Bears’ defense gets a major lift with the return of linebacker Tremaine Edmunds from injured reserve. Edmunds, a proven force in the middle, brings leadership and playmaking ability to a unit that will need all hands on deck to slow down a Packers offense that, despite injuries, remains potent. The rest of the Bears’ inactive list includes linebacker Ruben Hyppolite II, quarterback Case Keenum, linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga, and defensive lineman Jonathan Ford.
So, what does all this mean for the game itself? For starters, the Packers’ offensive line will be tested by a Bears front that’s eager to exploit the absence of Tom. Whether it’s Kinnard or perhaps second-year lineman Jordan Morgan stepping in, protecting quarterback Jordan Love will be priority number one. Love, who’s been nursing a left shoulder issue but is good to go, will look to get the ball out quickly, especially with Watson and Jayden Reed—who returned to practice after a personal matter—both active. The Packers activated defensive end Brenton Cox Jr. from injured reserve on Friday, hoping his presence bolsters a defense already missing Parsons.
For the Bears, the challenge is twofold: replacing the production of Odunze and Burden III, and capitalizing on the absence of Williams in the Packers’ secondary. Chicago’s top-ranked NFC rushing offense, powered by Swift and Monangai, will look to test Green Bay’s run defense early and often. With Edmunds back in the fold, the Bears’ defense will try to contain Jacobs and force Love into uncomfortable situations.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. Both teams are fighting for playoff positioning, and with so many key contributors either sidelined or playing hurt, it’s a true test of depth and adaptability. As kickoff approaches, fans are left to wonder: Which team will better adjust to the adversity? Will the Packers’ patchwork offensive line hold up against a rejuvenated Bears defense? Can Chicago’s depleted receiving corps find ways to make an impact?
One thing’s for sure—injuries may have changed the look of this classic rivalry, but the intensity and significance remain as fierce as ever. With Jacobs and Watson gutting it out for Green Bay and Edmunds making his return for Chicago, the outcome hangs in the balance as the NFL’s oldest rivalry writes another chapter under the bright lights of Soldier Field.
