NFL: Packers dealing with several injuries

GREEN BAY — The Green Bay Packers got through their first three games about as healthy as they could have hoped to. The team’s week four Thursday night matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles wasn’t as kind, as several players left the contest with injuries and the team eventually suffered its first loss of the season.

If the Packers hope to avoid a losing streak, the team will have to earn a road win over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday without the help of some big offensive weapons most likely.

Five Packers, receiver Davante Adams and running back Jamaal Williams among them, did not practice on Wednesday.

It was reported earlier in the week that Adams was unlikely to play against the Cowboys because of the toe injury he suffered against the Eagles. Missing Adams, who caught 10 passes for 180 yards against Philadelphia, would be a huge hit to the Packers’ passing game, which finally found life in week four.

If Adams cannot go Sunday, quarterback Aaron Rodgers will have Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Geronimo Allison, Jake Kumerow, Allen Lazard, Darrius Shepherd to look to at receiver.

Valdes-Scantling is second on the team with 16 catches for 217 yards, while Allison has caught eight passes for 76 yards. Allison has hauled in two touchdowns, while Valdes-Scantling has one.

Kumerow, who is scheduled to return to the field after dealing with a shoulder injury, has just one catch for 12 yards. Lazard and Shepherd have not caught a pass this year.

“We’re all hungry, you know. We’re all looking to make plays,” said Kumerow of the receiver group. “We all feed off each other’s energy, too, you know I think that’s a big thing is if one guy makes a play, the other guys get excited for him and hope for their opportunity.”

Tight ends Jimmy Graham, Marcedes Lewis and Robert Tonyan could be asked to play bigger roles in the passing game to replace Adams’ production.

Despite the lack of receiving threats should Adams miss the game, Rodgers wasn’t worried. The QB said his confidence in himself is going to be big this week.

“I have a lot of confidence in my preparation and the expectations that I’ll play well on Sunday and that I’ll be able to help those guys raise the level of their play by my own play and by the communication,” said Rodgers.

Rodgers also said he wouldn’t be surprised if Adams was able to suit up Sunday and play through the pain, but even if he does, his play would likely be hindered in some fashion.

Williams did not practice Wednesday as he was still in the concussion protocol after taking a vicious hit on the Packers first offensive play against the Eagles.

Even if Williams does clear the protocol and is active Sunday, it’d be pretty shocking if rookie Dexter Williams wasn’t also active.

Williams, a sixth-round draft pick in 2019, hasn’t received a carry through the first four games, but has been preparing for an opportunity since the regular season started.

“I feel very comfortable with where I’m at (with the offense). Just like I said before, I just have to go out and do my job, not try and do anything extra,” said Dexter Williams.

Another player that could be asked to step up should Jamaal Williams not play is Danny Vitale.

The fullback has carried the ball just once this year, while also catching three passes. Throughout training camp and the preseason, the Packers got Vitale plenty of reps, and that preparation may pay off this week.

“Obviously, my vision is probably not as good as an Aaron Jones or Jamaal or Dexter, but I know what my reads are supposed to be and where my eyes should be, which is half the battle as a running back,” said Vitale. “Definitely feel pretty comfortable (carrying the ball).”

Since week two, the Packers’ run game as a whole has struggled, tallying just 77 rushing yards in each of the past two games.

Running won’t be easy against a Cowboys’ defense that is allowing under 100 rushing yards per contest, but it will be crucial for the Packers to be able to establish the run in some capacity to take some pressure off the passing game.

One injured player that seems to be trending in the right direction is right tackle Bryan Bulaga, who left the game against the Eagles with a shoulder injury. He was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday, likely meaning he would be ready to go Sunday barring any setbacks.

Green Bay has had a ton of success playing in Dallas’ AT&T Stadium over the years, dating back to the team’s last Super Bowl win. The Packers might have to create a little more magic this week with some of its stars sidelined if they hope to earn another W.

sports@newmedia-wi.com