Packers list Nixon, Lloyd and Brooks questionable vs. Patriots
GREEN BAY, Wis. The Green Bay Packers on Nov. 6 listed cornerback Keisean Nixon (groin) and running backs MarShawn Lloyd (knee) and Chris Brooks (ankle) as questionable for Sundays game against the New England Patriots, the team reported in a Packers.com injury update. The club also ruled out five players: linebacker Zaire Franklin (shin), guard/tackle Travis Glover (knee), center Sean Rhyan (ankle), tight end Josh Whyle (concussion) and edge rusher Micah Parsons (knee). The report was posted by Packers.com senior writer Wes Hodkiewicz.
The Packers opened the practice window on both Parsons (physically unable to perform list) and Brooks (injured reserve) on Wednesday, giving Green Bay 21 days to activate either player to its 53-man roster. Brooks had 94 total yards on 18 touches through the first four games before suffering the ankle injury in Tampa Bay, and the team noted he must be added to the active roster to be eligible to play. Nixon missed Thursday practice but returned in a limited fashion Friday; he has appeared in 76 consecutive regular-season games since signing with the Packers in 2022.
Head Coach Matt LaFleur said it is concerning when a player does not practice on Thursday but that he expected Nixon to put himself in a position to potentially play. Sean Rhyan was listed out after injuring his ankle four snaps into the Packers Week 7 game in Detroit, though LaFleur told reporters he did not anticipate the starting center going on injured reserve. Receiver Christian Watson (ribs), guard Aaron Banks (knee) and safety Javon Bullard (personal) did not receive game statuses and are expected to be available Sunday.
The New England Patriots ruled out receiver A.J. Brown (ankle/knee) and running back TreVeyon Henderson (illness) and listed seven players as questionable, including tight end Hunter Henry (foot), cornerback Carlton Davis (neck) and safety Kevin Byard (chest). The Patriots also listed receiver Mack Hollins (calf), tackle Morgan Moses (foot), safety Brenden Schooler (hamstring) and guard Greg Van Roten (hamstring) with question marks. Players the Patriots did not assign game-status designations to and expect to be available include quarterback Drake Maye (right shoulder), cornerback Marcus Jones (foot) and defensive tackle Christian Barmore (illness).
NFL Sports Blog Take
The Packers Week 9 injury report highlights several roster decisions that could affect multiple phases on Sunday. Micah Parsons remaining on the PUP list and Chris Brooks needing activation from injured reserve are notable for edge-rusher and backfield depth; if Brooks is not added to the active roster he will be ineligible to play. Keisean Nixons limited practice Friday and his streak of consecutive games played suggest the team is managing his groin issue carefully while trying to preserve availability. With Sean Rhyan ruled out, the Packers will need to rely on backup options at center, and Christian Watson practicing with protection after a rib injury provides Green Bay a potential receiving option if he is cleared to play.