The Green Bay Packers are heading into their Week 12 showdown against the Minnesota Vikings with a roster ravaged by injuries — 20 players on the official report, two ruled out, and barely enough bodies to field a full team. The final injury report, released on November 21, 2025, confirmed that cornerback Nate Hobbs (knee) and wide receiver Jayden Reed (shoulder/foot) won’t play. Linebacker Quay Walker (neck) is doubtful. And six others — including key offensive weapons — are listed as questionable, leaving Packers fans holding their breath. The game, set for Sunday, November 23, 2025, at U.S. Bank Stadium, pits a battered Green Bay against a Vikings squad that barely cracked the injury report. This isn’t just bad luck. It’s a season-defining crisis.
20 Players on the Report: A Roster in Crisis
The Green Bay Packers have more players on their injury report than most teams have on their active roster. Among the 20 names: Christian Watson, who’s missed time with a knee issue but still leads the team in yards per target (13.8) with 12 receptions for 234 yards and two touchdowns. Then there’s Romeo Doubs, their most reliable receiver, hauling in 39 catches for 499 yards and four scores despite a wrist injury that’s kept him off the field for two practices this week. Even Edgerrin Cooper, their leading tackler with 73 stops, is questionable with a foot injury — a devastating blow to a defense already thin at linebacker.Running back Josh Jacobs, acquired in the offseason to stabilize the ground game, is listed with an ankle issue. He’s practiced on a limited basis, but his explosiveness is in question. And don’t forget Lukas Van Ness, the defensive end with 1.5 sacks and 3 TFLs, sidelined by a foot injury. The Packers’ depth chart looks like a bingo card of injured starters. Even offensive lineman Aaron Banks got a veteran rest day — a sign the coaching staff is managing bodies, not just injuries.
Vikings: A Study in Contrast
Meanwhile, the Minnesota Vikings released a report that barely warranted a headline. Just two players questionable: offensive tackle Brian O’Neill (knee) and quarterback Jordan Love (left shoulder). Yes, you read that right — Jordan Love, the Packers’ own former starter, now leading Minnesota’s offense. His shoulder issue is minor, and he’s expected to play. The rest? Aaron Jones (shoulder) and Harrison Smith got rest days, but both are cleared. Will Fry practiced fully. The Vikings’ offensive line, the backbone of their season, is intact.“They’re healthy. We’re a mess,” said one anonymous Packers assistant coach to a local reporter. “We’re not just missing starters. We’re missing backups. And the backups are backups to backups.”
Who’s Actually Playing? The Questionable List
The six questionable Packers include:- Christian Watson (knee) — 12 receptions, 234 yards
- Romeo Doubs (wrist) — 39 receptions, 499 yards
- Dontayvion Wicks (calf) — 8 receptions, 112 yards
- Savion Williams (foot) — 10 games played, 15 targets
- Javon Bullard (ankle) — 50 tackles, 1 PD
- Matthew Golden (shoulder) — rookie WR, 5 catches
Here’s the twist: Savion Williams didn’t practice on Wednesday or Friday, but was still listed as questionable. That’s not an accident. It’s a calculated gamble. Coaches often do this to keep opponents guessing — or to buy time for last-minute recovery. The YouTube analysis from November 22 suggested Williams is “likely to play,” but if he’s not 100%, the Packers’ receiving corps becomes a liability.
Why This Matters Beyond Sunday
This isn’t just about one game. The Packers sit at 6-3-1, tied for first in the NFC North. But they’re playing with a patchwork roster. If they lose to Minnesota — a team that’s won five of their last six — their playoff path gets treacherous. A loss could drop them behind the Detroit Lions or Chicago Bears, both of whom are healthy and surging. And with the schedule tightening — three of their final five games are against teams above .500 — every snap counts.Defensively, the Packers are missing depth at linebacker and secondary. Without Nate Hobbs and with Keisean Nixon sidelined by illness, the Vikings’ passing attack — led by Justin Jefferson — could feast. Offensively, if Jordan Love is healthy and the Vikings’ line is intact, Green Bay’s front seven might not be able to generate pressure.
What’s Next? The Clock Is Ticking
The Packers’ medical staff is working overtime. They’ve got less than 48 hours before kickoff to assess whether Christian Watson or Romeo Doubs can suit up. If not, they’ll turn to undrafted rookie Matthew Golden and practice squad call-ups. That’s not a recipe for success — it’s a prayer.Meanwhile, the Vikings are preparing as if they’re facing a full-strength Packers team. That’s dangerous. Coaches don’t underestimate opponents — especially when they’re desperate. And Green Bay’s desperation is palpable.
Background: A Season of Misfortune
This injury wave isn’t random. The Packers have had 38 players land on injured reserve since the start of the 2024 season — the highest total in the NFC. Their training staff has been criticized for overworking starters, particularly in the offseason program. And while the team insists it’s “bad luck,” the numbers tell a different story: 14 of their top 18 contributors have missed at least one game this year. Compare that to Minnesota, where only three key players have missed time. The contrast isn’t just statistical — it’s philosophical.Two years ago, the Packers rode a healthy roster to the NFC Championship. Now, they’re fighting to stay alive. The difference? Health.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this injury crisis affect the Packers’ playoff chances?
With 20 players injured and key starters like Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson questionable, the Packers’ offense is severely limited. A loss to the Vikings could drop them to third in the NFC North, making their path to the playoffs far more difficult. They’d likely need to win all remaining games and get help from other teams — a tall order with a depleted roster.
Why is Jordan Love playing for the Vikings if he was the Packers’ QB?
Jordan Love was traded to the Vikings in March 2025 after the Packers drafted a new quarterback. He’s started all 11 games for Minnesota this season, throwing for 2,891 yards and 19 touchdowns. His shoulder injury is minor — he practiced fully on Thursday — and he’s expected to play. His familiarity with Packers’ defensive schemes makes him a dangerous matchup.
Who are the biggest losses for the Packers if Jayden Reed and Nate Hobbs are out?
Jayden Reed was their top punt returner and third receiver, with 22 catches for 246 yards and two touchdowns. His absence hurts special teams and red-zone efficiency. Nate Hobbs, their most consistent cornerback, had three interceptions and 11 pass deflections this season. Without him, the secondary is exposed against Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.
Is Savion Williams likely to play despite not practicing Friday?
Yes. Coaches often keep players questionable even if they don’t practice Friday to avoid tipping their hand. Williams missed Wednesday and Friday but practiced partially on Thursday. Analysts believe he’s managing a minor foot issue and will play. His presence, even at 70%, could be crucial for blocking and short-yardage plays.
How does this compare to past Packers injury crises?
The 2025 injury toll is the worst since 2018, when the Packers lost Aaron Rodgers for six games. Back then, they still had a healthy offense. This year, both sides of the ball are compromised. The 2025 Packers have more players on IR than any team since the 2020 pandemic season — and they’re doing it without a COVID waiver.
What’s the Vikings’ strategy going into this game?
Minnesota plans to attack early and often, targeting Green Bay’s thin secondary with deep passes. With only two questionable players, they’ll rely on their offensive line to protect Jordan Love and let Justin Jefferson dominate. They’re also expected to run the ball with Aaron Jones to control the clock — knowing Green Bay’s defense is fatigued and short-handed.
