Thursday Night Football is set to deliver another electrifying NFC showdown as the Green Bay Packers prepare to host the Washington Commanders at Lambeau Field. But as kickoff approaches, the Packers find themselves grappling with a mounting injury list that could test their depth early in the 2025 NFL season. With both teams eager to stake their claim in the competitive conference, all eyes are on the latest roster updates, standout contract moves, and the resilience of key players battling through adversity.
The Green Bay Packers announced on September 10, 2025, that defensive end Brenton Cox Jr. (groin) and cornerback Bo Melton (shoulder) have been ruled out for the Thursday night clash. It’s a tough blow for a defense that’s already feeling the strain, especially with the season barely underway. The injury bug hasn’t stopped there—five more Packers are listed as questionable for the game: safety Zayne Anderson (knee), left guard Aaron Banks (ankle/groin), cornerback Nate Hobbs (knee), defensive end Micah Parsons (back), and right tackle Zach Tom. Anderson and Hobbs didn’t suit up last week, while Banks and Tom picked up their injuries during play, joining Cox and Melton on the sidelines.
For Packers fans, the situation is both familiar and frustrating. Early-season injuries have become a recurring theme, and the coaching staff is being forced to shuffle the lineup far sooner than anyone would like. The question hanging over Green Bay: can the next men up deliver under the bright lights of prime time?
Micah Parsons’ status, in particular, has drawn attention across the league. The star pass rusher has been limited in practice all week, echoing his status heading into last week’s game against the Detroit Lions. Despite being listed as questionable then, Parsons still managed to make a significant impact, giving hope that he could do the same against the Commanders. According to Yahoo Sports, "Parsons has been limited in practice all week leading up to the game. It should be noted that Parsons was limited all last week too, as well as listed as questionable, and he still managed to be effective against the Detroit Lions." That kind of resilience is exactly what the Packers need right now.
On the offensive side, there’s a glimmer of good news for Green Bay. Wide receiver Christian Watson, who tore his ACL in Week 17 of the 2024 season, received a contract extension this week. The Packers have added a year to his deal at $13.25 million, keeping him under contract through the 2026 season. It’s a strong vote of confidence in Watson’s ability to bounce back and become a cornerstone of the Packers’ passing attack. The timing couldn’t be better, as the team looks to stabilize its offense amid uncertainty elsewhere on the roster.
Meanwhile, the Washington Commanders have had their own injury drama to monitor. Quarterback Jayden Daniels, the promising second-year signal caller, was limited in practice during the week. However, all signs point to Daniels being ready to go for Thursday’s showdown. That’s a relief for Washington, which is counting on Daniels to build on his rookie campaign and lead the team to greater heights this season.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:15 PM Central on Thursday, September 11, 2025, with coverage beginning at 7:00 PM on ESPN 102.3 AM 1000 KSOO in Sioux Falls. The anticipation is palpable, as both teams look to gain an early edge in the NFC standings. For Green Bay, the stakes feel especially high, given the sheer number of key contributors facing injury questions.
In the broader NFL landscape, injuries and roster moves are shaping the narrative for Week 2. The San Francisco 49ers, a perennial contender, are dealing with their own set of setbacks. Star tight end George Kittle was placed on injured reserve after suffering a hamstring injury, and quarterback Brock Purdy is a "long shot" to play Sunday against the New Orleans Saints due to a toe injury. Head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters, "We’re not sure. We have to see how it heals and how the week goes on it." That uncertainty leaves the 49ers in a precarious position as they try to maintain momentum early in the season.
The Kansas City Chiefs are also monitoring the status of wide receiver Xavier Worthy, who is "day-to-day" with a dislocated shoulder. Head coach Andy Reid commented, "He's rehabbing and working his shoulder, and we'll just see where it goes. See where we end up." The Chiefs are hoping Worthy can avoid surgery and return to action sooner rather than later, especially with rookie receiver Jalen Royals also sidelined.
Elsewhere, the New Orleans Saints are bracing for the possibility of losing starting safety Julian Blackmon for the remainder of the season due to a shoulder injury. Coach Kellen Moore acknowledged the setback, noting that the team will have to evaluate its options at safety as they prepare to host the 49ers.
Back in Green Bay, the focus remains on who will be available when the whistle blows Thursday night. The Packers’ depth will be tested, and the coaching staff is undoubtedly preparing contingency plans for every scenario. The absence of Brenton Cox Jr. and Bo Melton removes two potential difference-makers from the lineup, while the questionable status of Anderson, Banks, Hobbs, Parsons, and Tom means that the Packers could be forced to rely on backups and young players to step up in critical roles.
Washington, for its part, will look to exploit any weaknesses in the Packers’ patched-up defense. With Jayden Daniels expected to play, the Commanders have a chance to make an early-season statement on the road. Their own injury concerns seem less dire, giving them a potential edge in terms of overall health and continuity.
As the countdown to kickoff continues, the storylines are swirling. Will the Packers’ injury woes derail their hopes for a fast start, or can the team rally around its stars and emerging talent? Will Micah Parsons once again defy the odds and wreak havoc in the backfield, despite his limited practice reps? And can Christian Watson’s contract extension serve as a spark for the Green Bay offense?
One thing’s for sure: Thursday night’s matchup at Lambeau Field is shaping up to be a major early-season test for both teams. With so much uncertainty surrounding key players, fans can expect a game full of surprises, grit, and maybe a few breakout performances from unexpected sources. The action is set, the stakes are high, and the NFC picture is already getting interesting.
With kickoff just hours away, anticipation is building in Green Bay and beyond. The Packers and Commanders are about to write the next chapter in what promises to be a dramatic and unpredictable 2025 NFL season. Stay tuned—anything can happen under the Thursday night lights.
