Packers’ Playoff Hopes Take a Hit: Four Starters Sidelined for Crucial Matchup

Green Bay Packers receiver Christian Watson, who was questionable on Friday’s injury report, is inactive for Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings.

Safety Javon Bullard, who also was questionable, is active.

Watson suffered a knee injury late in the first half last week against the Saints. He did not practice this week.

Along with Watson, the Packers will line up without.

Cornerback Jaire Alexander will miss a sixth consecutive season with a knee injury sustained at Jacksonville on Oct. 27. He was ruled out on Friday’s injury report.

Alexander has played 37.8 percent of the defensive snaps this season, including 10 snaps against the Bears in his only game since the injury, but remains second on the team with seven passes defensed.

The Packers could have put him on injured reserve, but they never needed the roster spot. Because he stayed on the active roster, he has continued to practice so there should be minimal rust when he does return – and the belief is he will return to action this season.

Linebacker Quay Walker will miss a second consecutive game with an ankle injury sustained during the win at Seattle. He leads the team with 102 tackles and nine tackles for losses. He didn’t practice this week and was ruled out on Friday.

“We are highlighting him,” defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley said on Thursday. “We’re sending him, he’s running games. I think we’re doing a good job of highlighting him right now, and I’m not sure there’s much more we can do with him. I think as he continues to develop, we can (do more), but I think we’re doing a pretty good job of that right now.”

Safety Evan Williams will miss a second consecutive game with a quad injury sustained during the final practice before Monday night’s win against the Saints. Williams, who is one of three players on the team with at least one interception, one forced fumble and multiple pass breakups, didn’t practice this week and was ruled out on Friday.

“Last week at this time, Evan was still healthy and practicing,” Hafley said on Thursday. “Evan didn’t get hurt until (Saturday) afternoon in practice. Zayne didn’t get all those practice reps. He barely practiced. That’s like a nightmare for a coach. There’d no rewinding the clock to get Zayne all those reps that he needs to play in the game.