Despite securing the top seed in the NFC last week with a win at home over the Minnesota Vikings, Packers coach Matt LaFleur has indicated that he intends to play his starters for this game against Detroit Lions.
After last week’s win, many expected QB Jordan Love’s performance to be the spotlight today. However, it is still uncertain how much playtime LaFleur will give his starters(quotes via ESPN):
It’s important to keep the momentum going. Every time we step out on that field, whether it is a preseason game or in your eyes a nonmeaningful game, our guys go out there with that mentality that we want to win, and we’re going to do everything in our power to win and we’re going to compete at the highest level.
Rodgers has indicated his willingness to play:
It’s more just keeping the momentum going and the desire to be out there with the guys competing. I know there’s possible players who could return this week — I don’t know what their status is going to be — but that’s exciting, for sure. If guys are healthy, guys want to play. There’s risk every time you take the field. There’s obviously the idea about rust compared to momentum, but, yeah, I want to be out there and be with my guys. I’m assuming that’s still the plan.
Another interesting aspect of this seemingly mundane matchup is that LT David Bakhtiari may return to the field after a year away:
Packers All-Pro LT David Bakhtiari is set to make his season debut Sunday vs. Detroit barring late change, per source. @RobDemovsky hit on this being a strong possibility earlier, and it looks like Bakhtiari will get his action since December 2020.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) January 8, 2022
Bakhtiari tore his ACL during practice in December 2020. Playing today will hopefully prep him for more rigorous duty during the playoffs.
Packers also announced Friday that CB Jaire Alexander was activated from the COVID-19 list. Alexander injured his shoulder in week 4, but is not expected to play today. WR Randall Cobb is also not expected to play.
Mason Crosby is going to be the game MVP, calling it.
Game Information
Who: Packers vs Lions
When: Sunday – 12:00pm Central
Where: Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan
TV: NFL on Fox – Kevin Burkhardt, Greg Olsen
Radio: WTMJ – Listen Live