The Green Bay Packers will be without key players against the Bears.
The Green Bay Packers didn't just suffer a loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 15, but lost many key players to injury. No loss was bigger than star pass rusher Micah Parsons going down with a torn ACL, ending his season.
However, Green Bay also lost its best offensive linemen, Zach Tom, with a knee injury, and safety Evan Williams exited with a knee injury.
These are two of Green Bay's best players, and they will need to make adjustments without them. In Tom's place, the Packers could start Darian Kinnard, who replaced Tom following his injury against Denver. They could also start the 2024 first-round pick, Jordan Morgan, who had some snaps at right tackle in practice along with Kinnard this week.
It is pivotal to give Jordan Love time in the pocket, as he was effective in delivering downfield against the Bears in Week 12.
Love completed 17 of 25 passes for 234 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception. He completed two of his touchdowns deep downfield to Christian Watson and Bo Melton. However, those passes wouldn't have been possible if Love didn't have time in the pocket.
Green Bay will need Kinnard or Morgan to play at a high level for the offense to do enough against Chicago.
Defensively, the Packers will need to make an adjustment with Williams out. They could move Javon Bullard back to safety. Bullard was drafted as a safety in the second round of the 2024 draft. However, Williams took the starting safety spot opposite Xavier McKinney.
Green Bay has since moved Bullard into the slot, and he has thrived in that position. With Williams' injury, the Packers could move him back to safety temporarily and move Nate Hobbs into the slot.
Green Bay signed Hobbs in the offseason on a four-year $48 million deal. They had hoped to convert him to an outside corner, but he was benched for Carrington Valentine.
When Hobbs was with the Las Vegas Raiders, he played in the slot and played well. It makes logical sense for the Packers to make this change with Williams out, as it puts their most talented players on the field.
The Packers have a ton of injuries, and this may not be the full list, as wide receiver Christian Watson and running back Josh Jacobs remain questionable.
This is an important game, as the winner will leave Soldier Field in first place in the NFC North. The Packers will need players to step up in the absence of their stars.