Packers-Vikings Finale: Who’s Projected To Play And Who’s Sitting Sunday

GREEN BAY, WI — With their playoff seed locked in, the Green Bay Packers will take a cautious approach Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings in Minneapolis, sitting several key players while still fielding a lineup that gives extended looks to depth pieces ahead of the postseason.

The Packers are projected to open the wild-card round on the road against the Chicago Bears, with playoff games scheduled for Jan. 10, 11 and 12.

Quarterback Jordan Love will be available this week but is not expected to play, according to Head Coach Matt LaFleur.

Instead, third-string quarterback Clayton Tune is set to start at U.S. Bank Stadium as Green Bay prepares for a projected wild-card matchup against the Chicago Bears next weekend, Packers.com reported.

Love practiced in full all week and was not given a game status, but the Packers have made clear the priority is keeping him healthy for the playoffs.

Green Bay enters the finale locked into the No. 7 seed in the NFC.

At running back, Josh Jacobs will play after returning to full participation in Friday’s practice. Jacobs had been managing knee and ankle issues but is expected to be part of the offensive plan.

Receiver Jayden Reed and linebacker Edgerrin Cooper are also available after progressing to full participation late in the week.

On the offensive line, tackle Zach Tom is questionable with back and knee injuries. Tom has missed the past two games, and his availability remains uncertain after limited practices throughout the week.

Guard Aaron Banks will be available despite dealing with illness and an ankle issue.

The Packers will be without several receivers. Dontayvion Wicks is doubtful with a concussion after not practicing all week, while rookie Savion Williams has been ruled out with a foot injury and illness. Green Bay has also ruled out guards Donovan Jennings and John Williams, along with linebacker Nick Niemann.

At quarterback behind Tune, Malik Willis is questionable with shoulder and hamstring injuries. If Willis cannot go, Desmond Ridder could serve as the backup after signing with Green Bay’s practice squad this week.

On defense, Lukas Van Ness will play after practicing in a limited capacity all week.

Minnesota will have starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy back after he missed last week’s game against Detroit. McCarthy practiced fully by the end of the week and will start Sunday. The Vikings will be missing several offensive weapons, including running back Aaron Jones and tight end T.J. Hockenson, both of whom were ruled out.

Minnesota has also ruled out receiver Myles Price and tight end Gavin Bartholomew. Cornerback Dwight McGlothern is questionable after being added to the injury report Friday.

Several key Vikings defenders will play, including tackle Brian O’Neill, linebacker Blake Cashman, safety Harrison Smith and defensive linemen Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, all of whom were not given game statuses.