The Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears hook for the 193rd time on Thursday night at Lambeau Field in what is the oldest rivalry in the NFL.
Both teams are playing on a short week and both teams are missing several key players for tonight’s game.
The Packers have ruled seven players as “OUT”, including running back Eddie Lacy who is expected to miss a few weeks and perhaps even longer. Lacy left Sunday’s loss against Dallas with an ankle injury in the third quarter.
If Lacy misses several weeks, he could be placed on injured reserve with a return in eight weeks. Defensive back Sam Shields is already on I.R. with a designation to return and the Packers are only allowed to bring back one player once they’re placed on injured reserve.
Lacy has rushed for 360 yards on 71 carries, averaging 5.1 yards per carry through the first five games.
Also ruled out of tonight’s game is running back James Starks, defensive backs Damarious Randall and Quinten Rollins, wide receiver Jared Abbrederis, tight end Jared Cook and safety Chris Banjo.
The Bears have six players listed as “OUT”, including left guard Josh Sitton, who was signed by the Bears after being released by the Packers before the start of the season.
Also out is wide receiver Eddie Royal, defensive back Deiondre’ Hall, running back Jeremy Langford, quarterback Jay Cutler and defensive lineman Eddie Goldman.
Under head coach Mike McCarthy, the Packers are 14-7 against the Bears during the regular and postseason, including wins in 10 of the last 12 games.
Tonight’s game marks the last of four straight home games for the Packers. They’ll travel to Atlanta a week from Sunday. That game will mark a stretch where the Packers will play four of five games away from Lambeau Field.