The news of David Bakhtiari’s season-ending injury rocked the Green Bay Packers this week, but Friday’s final injury report did provide a few pieces of good news ahead of Sunday’s season finale against the Chicago Bears.
The Packers did not give an injury designation to running back Jamaal Williams or offensive tackle Rick Wagner, meaning both important role players on offense are good to go against the Bears.
Williams injured his quad against the Carolina Panthers and missed last Sunday night’s win over the Tennessee Titans. His return will give coach Matt LaFleur three healthy and effective running backs to finish the season.
Wagner’s availability is huge news after losing Bakhtiari. He injured his knee against the Titans but is healthy enough to play in the finale, giving the Packers another option for constructing the offensive line without Bakhtiari, one of the anchors at left tackle. It’s possible Wagner will start at right tackle against the Bears.
The Packers ruled out Bakhtiari, who suffered his injury during Thursday’s practice, and defensive lineman Kingsley Keke, who is in the concussion protocol and did not practice all week.
The Packers will also get back second-year tight end Jace Sternberger, who has missed the last three games while dealing with the aftermath of a concussion.
Rookie guard Simon Stepaniak is questionable. He could make his NFL debut on Sunday at Soldier Field.
The Bears ruled out starting cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson and Buster Skrine and listed five others as questionable, including safety Tashaun Gipson, tight end Cole Kmet and receiver Cordarrelle Patterson.
