The Green Bay Packers' injury list is long. 15 players currently have their name on the official list of bumps, bruises and much worse ailments that lead to even a small risk of them missing Sunday's contest against the Minnesota Vikings for all the current division marbles.
The good news: the odds are very good Aaron Rodgers won't miss.
He has been listed as probable for Sunday with a right shoulder injury. He had full participation in practice Friday.
Packers head coach Mike McCarthy is cognizant and understanding of his players' injuries, and sees them as a product of the harsh road they've had to take so far this year.
"Just reflects where we are in the season," said McCarthy on Friday.
"It reflects this time of year, definitely reflects the stretch that they're going through."
His offensive line is also banged up: four-fifths of the starting lineup is on that list. However, McCarthy believes they will be good to go for Sunday.
"They're progressing...they'll probably be probable for the game."
McCarthy was 75 percent right. Guard T.J. Lang is listed as questionable with his shoulder injury. Tackle David Bakhtiari (knee), tackle Bryan Bulaga (knee) and guard Josh Sitton (knee) are all probable.
The news is also hopeful for running back Eddie Lacy with his groin injury.
"I thought Eddie looked good yesterday. I thought he had one of his better practices...looks like he's bouncing back...so far, so good," said McCarthy.
Lacy is listed as probable. He fully practiced Friday.
The news was not so hopeful for wide receiver Ty Montgomery, who has missed every game since the San Diego contest on October 18 with an ankle injury.
"Ty did not complete practice yesterday. This will be a big day for him. He's just not quite there."
Indeed, he is listed as questionable after limited practice.
The remainder of the list:
Out
- WR Jared Abbrederis (rib/chest)
Questionable
- DB Micah Hyde (hip, limited)
Probable:
- S Morgan Burnett (ankle, full)
- LB Jayrone Elliott (ankle, limited)
- WR James Jones (quadricep, full)
- LB Clay Matthews (ankle/knee, limited)
- LB Mike Neal (hip, full)
- LB Nick Perry (shoulder/hand, full)
Even with injuries besetting Green Bay, McCarthy is hopeful that the challenge of the 7-2, first-place Vikings will be enough to galvanize a 6-3 Packers team that has not won in more than a month.
"We're ready for Minnesota...we turned the page Monday as a football team. We actually worked on Minnesota Monday in our meetings. We're getting ready to go," he said.
"A big opportunity right in front of us. Winning division games on the road is a huge challenge. We feel good about the way our preparation is going, the process."
