Jordan Love’s first start at Lambeau Field got a little more difficult before kickoff on Sunday.
Running back Aaron Jones, wide receiver Christian Watson, and left tackle David Bakhtiari were all listed as inactive before the Green Bay Packers’ home opener against the New Orleans Saints. Elgton Jenkins, a left guard, had also previously been excluded.
The absence of No. 1 cornerback Jaire Alexander will also leave the Packers’ defense undermanned. Alexander, who had been deemed questionable due to a back issue, was added to the injury report on Friday.
Prior to the game, Jones, Watson, and Bakhtiari were listed as questionable. Jones hasn’t played since suffering a hamstring injury in the first game of the season, and Watson hasn’t either this year due to the same problem. Due to problems with a persistent left knee ailment, Bakhtiari will miss his second consecutive game. Last Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons, Jenkins’ left knee suffered a sprained MCL.
Coach Matt LaFleur might be taking precautions in the hopes that some of those players will be available for the Packers’ (1-0) quick turnaround for their game against the Detroit Lions on Thursday.
“They’re all important,” LaFleur said Friday. “I think if guys are healthy enough to go, they’re going to go. If they’re not, then hopefully we can get them back for Thursday. You never want to put the importance of one game or looking too far ahead. We’re going to have our hands full with a very good football team that’s 2-0, and we need everyone that can go at their best.”
Love has only attempted 11 passes at Lambeau in his career. At Kansas City and Detroit in 2021, Philadelphia last year, and his two starts this season at Chicago and Atlanta, he has spent the majority of his playing time on the road, accounting for 124 of his 135 career pass attempts.