When Matt LaFleur was pushed about Micah Parsons’ return, the Green Bay head coach delivered two simple words: “There’s a chance.” That’s the real headline out of the Packers’ injury report today, even as the team juggles a bunch of other question marks heading into Thursday Night Football against the Carolina Panthers. Sure, the team is trying to manage some roster issues internally, but the Parsons update? That’s the kind of news that gets everyone talking.
Key Players Ruled Out, Others Hanging By a Thread
Let’s dive into who definitely won’t be suiting up. Center Sean Rhyan (ankle) and linebacker Zaire Franklin (shin) are officially ruled out for Thursday’s game. LaFleur even mentioned that placing Rhyan on injured reserve is still on the table, which would open up a spot on their currently full 53-man roster. That’s a gut punch, especially given the upcoming short week.
Then there’s wide receiver Matthew Golden, dealing with shoulder and foot issues. LaFleur is “still kind of working through it” and “hopes” Golden will be available. You gotta wonder how impactful he’ll be if he does play, given that uncertainty. If Golden can’t go, the Packers might elevate receiver Isaiah Neyor from the practice squad, which would be his first time up this season. Rookie call-ups under pressure, you love to see it. Offensive guard Travis Glover’s knee injury, which wasn’t even reported until Monday, is another big question mark. Good news is, Kevin Zeitler is ready to step in if Glover can’t put on the pads.
Limited Action in Practice, But Look Out For The Panthers’ Woes
While some guys were full non-participants, Green Bay did have a few limited participants who still finished Sunday’s game and are expected to play against the Panthers. Guard Aaron Banks (knee/toe), defensive linemen Devonte Wyatt and Anthony Campbell (both ankle issues), and edge defender Brenton Cox Jr. (quadricep) all hit the field in a limited capacity. Chances are, they’ll be out there on Thursday, which is a relief for the Packers.
But Green Bay isn’t the only team dealing with some hits. The Carolina Panthers have their own injury problems, with starting edge rusher Jaelan Phillips and starting guard Damien Lewis missing their second-straight walkthrough. Plus, they already put right tackle Taylor Moton on injured reserve on Monday. So while the Packers have their challenges, the Panthers are also limping into this one.
When you look at the 53-man down to 48-man game day roster, the Packers will almost certainly scratch three offensive linemen, running back Kaleb Johnson (who was a healthy scratch last week), and the injured Zaire Franklin. The real roster crunch only happens if Golden is out, potentially forcing that Isaiah Neyor elevation.
So, Thursday Night Football is on the horizon. The Packers are rolling into Carolina with some key players sidelined and others playing through pain. But with Matt LaFleur saying he “hopes” Micah Parsons will practice next week, and that “there’s a chance” he returns, you better believe everyone will be watching Green Bay’s next moves. It’s a short week, but the real long-term stakes feel like they’re just getting started.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Acme Packing Company.
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