GREEN BAY, WI The Green Bay Packers defeated the New Orleans Saints 34-0 on Monday night, but they departed Lambeau Field with some serious injury concerns before their game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.
Linebacker Quay Walker (ankle), safety Javon Bullard (ankle), safety Evan Williams (quad), and cornerback Jaire Alexander (knee) were the Packers’ four defensive starters.
Christian Watson, a receiver, hurt his knee during the second quarter. He missed the majority of the second half, but he came back to play and even played a bit to begin the third quarter.
Coach Matt LaFleur stated, “There is definitely some concern there.” “Today (Tuesday), we will conduct additional testing.”
Watson made a 14-point gain after taking a jet sweep along the left side halfway through the second quarter. When a Saints defender landed on Watson’s left leg, Watson was falling out of bounds after being hauled down by cornerback Alontae Taylor.
Watson admitted, “To be honest, I thought I was going to score.” I wish I had kicked the gear in a bit earlier. It seemed to me that I could have turned the corner a bit more quickly. It was only a clumsy tumble. The DB simply slid into my legs as I hit the ground, and I vaguely felt something with my knee.
Although it stung immediately, I felt comfortable enough to go back in, and everything felt fine. But I had to shut it down because it was sort of lingering and I couldn’t play the kind of football I wanted to play.
Watson has been largely healthy this season after suffering injuries during his first two seasons in the league, and he has grown in importance on the offense.
He ran the ball twice for 23 yards against the Saints but did not catch any passes.
Regarding the tests on Tuesday, he stated, “I’m hoping for the best.”
Particularly concerning are the subsequent injuries. With three starters sidelined, the Packers managed to shut out the Saints, but only when Spencer Rattler was passing to players like Dante Pettis.
With Sam Darnold passing to Jordan Addison and Justin Jefferson, the Vikings will pose a threat to the Packers.
Despite practicing at full capacity during the week, Alexander missed his sixth straight game due to a knee issue. In two months, he has played ten defensive snaps.
LaFleur remarked, “I didn’t feel like he’s quite there yet.”
Williams sustained an injury during practice on Saturday.
“There is cause for concern,” LaFleur stated. “I anticipate that he will be absent for a while, but nothing permanent. One of those bargains. It is regrettable. I believe that occurred during the first practice play. He simply pulled up. Since it’s the second time it’s occurred to him, I know he’s upset. We’re hoping to bring him back in time for the playoffs, but he’ll endure.
Early in the third quarter, Josh Jacobs, the star running back, was sidelined during his last carry. The training personnel seemed to be examining his left arm.
He ought to be all OK for Sunday.
LaFleur stated, “He wanted to go back in, but it wasn’t necessary.” At halftime, I really said to him, “Hey, we’ll give you another series in the second half, but I want to get you out,” in order to give him a short week and prepare him for Minnesota.
Zayne Anderson started for the first time in his career without Bullard and Williams.
In 2021, Anderson became an undrafted free agent and joined the NFL. After Bullard and Williams were hurt against Detroit, he played two snaps against Jacksonville and six against San Francisco this season, but he didn’t play a single defensive snap in 2021, 2022, or 2023.
Anderson recorded three tackles, one interception, and two passes defensed against the Saints. The finest scoring opportunity for New Orleans was ruined by the interception.
“It feels nice,” And
