As the NFL season heats up, Week 11 brings us an exciting matchup between two NFC North rivals—the Chicago Bears and the Green Bay Packers. Both teams have had their share of ups and downs this season, but their annual rivalry always promises to deliver high-stakes football. With both teams fighting for positioning in the competitive NFC North, the health of key players could be a significant factor in determining the outcome of this game.
With the Thursday Night Football game just around the corner, let’s take a look at the latest injury updates and news leading into this crucial Week 11 showdown. These injuries could play a key role in how the game unfolds, so let’s dive into the current status of key players for both teams.
Chicago Bears Injury Report
The Bears enter Week 11 with several notable injuries, particularly in key positions like quarterback, wide receiver, and the secondary. Here’s a look at the players on the injury report for the Bears schedules:
Justin Fields (QB) – Ankle
- Status: Questionable
- Fields, the dynamic young quarterback, has been battling an ankle injury that has kept him sidelined for part of the season. After a few weeks of rehab, there were concerns that he might miss this week’s game, but recent reports suggest that he’s pushing to play. Fields practiced in limited capacity earlier this week, and his status will be monitored closely ahead of Thursday night’s game. If Fields is unable to go, expect veteran quarterback Tyson Bagent to take the reins once again. However, Fields’ mobility and playmaking ability are crucial to the Bears’ offense, so his availability will be pivotal.
Darnell Mooney (WR) – Ankle
- Status: Questionable
- Mooney, one of the Bears’ top receiving threats, has been dealing with an ankle issue. He was a limited participant in Wednesday’s practice, which leaves his status in doubt for Thursday’s game. Mooney’s ability to stretch the field and create separation will be sorely missed if he is unable to suit up. Should Mooney miss the game, expect other receivers like Chase Claypool and DJ Moore to step up in his absence.
Jaquan Brisker (S) – Concussion
- Status: Out
- Safety Jaquan Brisker has been ruled out for Thursday’s game after suffering a concussion last week. Brisker has been a key player for the Bears’ defense, and his absence will leave a significant hole in the secondary. His physicality and ability to cover ground will be missed, especially against a Packers team with some dangerous receiving threats. The Bears’ secondary will need to step up to make up for Brisker’s absence foxsports.com.
Kyler Gordon (CB) – Groin
- Status: Questionable
- Gordon, who plays a pivotal role in the Bears’ cornerback group, has been dealing with a groin injury that has limited his practice time. He was a limited participant in Wednesday’s practice, leaving his availability up in the air. The Bears’ secondary is already banged up with Brisker out, and Gordon’s injury could further complicate matters. If Gordon is unable to play, the Bears will likely rely on younger cornerbacks to fill in, which could be a vulnerable spot for them against Packers quarterback Jordan Love.
Green Bay Packers Injury Report
The Packers also have their share of injuries heading into Thursday night’s rivalry game. Green Bay has been dealing with a mix of injuries to key offensive and defensive players. Here’s a breakdown of the Packers’ latest injury updates:
Aaron Jones (RB) – Hamstring
- Status: Questionable
- Aaron Jones, the Packers’ top running back, has been struggling with a lingering hamstring injury that has kept him out of action for a couple of weeks. After missing time earlier in the season, Jones has been working hard to return to full health. Reports indicate that Jones has been participating in individual drills and could be a game-time decision for Thursday’s contest. The Packers’ offense has been much more balanced when Jones is healthy, so his presence could be crucial for Green Bay in this game. If he’s unable to go, AJ Dillon will once again take the lead role in the backfield.
David Bakhtiari (OT) – Knee
- Status: Out
- Packers offensive tackle David Bakhtiari has been dealing with a long-term knee issue and was recently placed on the injury report. He has already been ruled out for Thursday’s game, and his absence will be felt in a big way. Bakhtiari is one of the league’s best left tackles, and without him, the Packers’ offensive line will likely struggle to provide quarterback Jordan Love with the protection he needs to be effective. The Packers’ running game may also be affected, as Bakhtiari is one of the best in the business at creating holes for his backs.
Jaire Alexander (CB) – Shoulder
- Status: Questionable
- Jaire Alexander, the Packers’ star cornerback, has been dealing with a shoulder injury and is considered questionable for Thursday’s game. Alexander was limited in practice this week and is expected to be a game-time decision. If he’s unable to play, it would be a huge blow to the Packers’ secondary, especially against a Bears team that has multiple receiving weapons capable of making big plays. If Alexander is healthy, he could play a key role in limiting Bears wideouts like DJ Moore.
Rashan Gary (OLB) – Knee
- Status: Questionable
- Gary, one of the Packers’ top pass-rushers, has been working his way back from a knee injury. He was limited in practice earlier this week and is listed as questionable for Thursday’s game. Gary’s ability to pressure the quarterback is crucial to Green Bay’s defensive success, so if he is unable to go, the Packers’ pass rush could take a significant hit. If Gary plays, expect him to be a key player in trying to disrupt the Bears’ passing game, especially if Fields is active.
Christian Watson (WR) – Hamstring
- Status: Questionable
- Wide receiver Christian Watson has been nursing a hamstring injury, and his status for Thursday night is uncertain. Watson has been a big-play threat for Green Bay this season, and if he can’t go, it will limit Green Bay’s deep-threat capabilities. Watson was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday, so his availability will depend on how he feels closer to game time. His absence could result in more targets for Romeo Doubs and Jayden Reed, both of whom will need to step up.
Key Players to Watch:
- Justin Fields (Bears): If Fields plays, his ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs will be crucial in keeping the Packers’ defense on their toes.
- Aaron Jones (Packers): If Jones is healthy enough to play, expect him to be a difference-maker in both the running and passing game.
- Jaire Alexander (Packers): The Packers’ defense will need Alexander to contain the Bears’ wide receivers, especially if DJ Moore gets hot.
- Rashan Gary (Packers): Gary’s pass-rush ability could be a game-changer, especially if Fields struggles to avoid pressure.
How can I listen to the Packers on the radio?
All Packers games can be heard on the Packers Radio Network, which is made up of 54 stations in Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, Illinois and North and South Dakota. 97.3 The Game – WRNW-Milwaukee is in its third season as the flagship station of the Packers Radio Network. For a map and full listing of radio affiliates, go to packers.com/video/radio-network. Wayne Larrivee (play-by-play), two-time Packers Pro Bowler Larry McCarren (analyst), and three-time Packers Pro Bowler John Kuhn (sideline reporter) call the action. McCarren first joined the team’s broadcasts in 1995 and enters his 30th season calling Packers games. After originally being paired together in 1999, McCarren and Larrivee enter their 26th season of broadcasts together. They surpassed Jim Irwin and Max McGee for the most regular-season and postseason games broadcast for the Packers with 313 at the 2018 season opener against Chicago schedules.
The broadcast is also available on Sirius Satellite Radio on channel 139 or 384 or through the app (Packers Radio Network feed).
Sports USA Radio will be broadcasting the game to a national audience with Larry Kahn (play-by-play) and Mark Carrier (analyst) on the call.
As both teams prepare for a pivotal NFC North matchup, the injury reports suggest that the game could come down to which team can weather the loss of key players. The Bears are dealing with a number of injuries, especially in the secondary, which could make them vulnerable against the Packers’ passing attack. On the other hand, the Packers will be missing some key pieces on the offensive line and could be without their top running back.
The status of both teams’ star players—particularly Fields, Jones, and Alexander—will be critical in determining the outcome of this game. Fans should stay tuned for further updates as game time approaches, especially regarding the status of some of these key players.
As always, Thursday Night Football promises to be an exciting game, and with the latest injury reports in mind, it’s sure to be a thrilling contest in the NFC North.
