The Packers should only need one new starter on the offensive line, a good sign for Sunday.
When the Green Bay Packers take the field on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills, two key players who showed up on this week’s practice reports are expected to play, including one who missed the second half of last week’s game.
Those players are right tackle Bryan Bulaga and tight end Jimmy Graham. Bulaga has been a limited participant in practice all week long after leaving the game in Washington with a back injury. However, the team did not assign him an injury status on Friday’s report, indicating that he should play. Graham, meanwhile, sat out on Wednesday with a knee issue, but head coach Mike McCarthy later called it a “maintenance” day and he was also listed with no status on Friday.
Bulaga being likely to play should be a shot in the arm for the Packers’ offensive line, which listed starting right guard Justin McCray as doubtful. Byron Bell is likely to start in his place, but with Bulaga back, the team should be better able to contain the Bills’ strong pass rush. Trent Murphy and Shaq Lawson should be lined up over Bulaga’s side regularly.
The Packers do have a quintet of players listed as questionable, however, with players trending in different directions. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers appears to be improving, as he practiced on a limited basis on Thursday. Likewise, outside linebacker Nick Perry is in the concussion protocol but is questionable, and after not practicing on the first two days this week, he was upgraded to limited* on Friday.
* Note that the Packers’ Friday practice designations are estimates, as the team does not actually practice on Fridays.
On the negative side is wide receiver Randall Cobb. After practicing fully on Wednesday, Cobb showed up as limited on Thursday and was estimated as limited again Friday with a questionable designation. The hamstring issue reported for him was new on Thursday, and his availability is very much in doubt. If he cannot suit up, expect the Packers to use some more 12 personnel groupings (one running back and two tight ends), as well as getting rookie Marquez Valdes-Scantling some more action on offense.
As for the Bills, they have a handful of key players listed as questionable as well, including running back LeSean McCoy. See both teams’ reports below.
Packers Week 4 Injury Report
OUT
- DL Muhammad Wilkerson (ankle, DNP)
Doubtful
- G Justin McCray (shoulder, DNP)
Questionable
- WR Randall Cobb (hamstring, limited)
- S Josh Jones (ankle, limited)
- CB Kevin King (groin, limited)
- OLB Nick Perry (concussion, limited)
- QB Aaron Rodgers (knee, limited)
Bills Week 4 Injury Report
Questionable
- TE Charles Clay (shoulder/hip, limited)
- TE Jason Croom (knee, limited)
- RB LeSean McCoy (rib, limited)
- RB Marcus Murphy (rib, limited)
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