The Packers are ruling out several key defensemen in the NFC North showdown against the Vikings

The Packers will have a major defensive problem this Sunday when they take on their NFC North rival, the Minnesota Vikings. According to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, “The Packers have ruled out linebacker Quay Walker (ankle), safety Evan Williams (quadriceps), offensive lineman Andre Dillard (concussion) and cornerback Jaire Alexander (knee) for Sunday’s game against the Vikings.”

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Walker was hampered by the ankle injury that kept him out of the team’s Week 16 win over the Saints and unable to practice. It appears he was unable to recover sufficiently to face the Vikings.

Williams, on the other hand, was seen riding a stationary bike during the team’s stretching exercise and missed practice; The rookie safety was placed on the injured list last Saturday with a quadriceps injury and also played against the Saints.

Dillard was only listed as out due to a concussion. This was the first practice Alexander missed this week as he was listed as a full participant before being limited on Thursday. That’s a pretty big chunk of the Packers’ defensive line to miss before Week 17, making an already significant game even more exciting.

The Packers have been on a strong run, winning five of their last six games and averaging over 30 points in each of their last five games. With a record of 11-4, they can’t claim the NFC North title, but are still deep in the playoff rankings.

The Packers can secure the NFC’s No. 5 seed and potentially deny their NFC North rivals, the Vikings, a shot at the No. 1 seed if they pick up a win on Sunday.

Although Green Bay sits in second place in the division, they are ahead of the Vikings in the ESPN Football Power Index (FPI), where they are ranked No. 3, while Minnesota is ranked No. 7.

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For the Vikings, who are 13-2, this game is crucial for both division and playoff positioning. If Minnesota wins, they remain in the running for the NFC North title and the No. 1 overall seed, with a possible matchup with the Detroit Lions next week to decide the division crown.

However, a loss to the Packers on Sunday combined with a win by the Lions on Monday night would result in the Vikings being eliminated from the division race. To keep their hopes alive, the Vikings must win their two remaining games, starting with this high-risk showdown against Green Bay. With the Packers’ defense lacking so many key players, their chances may have simply increased.

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