The Packers are far from whole heading into their Week 17 showdown with the Ravens.
Linebacker Kristian Welch was placed on injured reserve among a series of roster moves before Saturdayâs (8 p.m. ET) game at Lambeau Field.
Welch, 27, hurt his ankle in last weekâs overtime loss to the Bears, and itâs serious enough that heâll miss the remainder of the regular season as he recovers. The earliest he will be eligible to return is the NFC Championship Game, should the Packers make it.
Welch Had Become Key Special Teams Contributor
Welch, a sixth-year veteran out of Iowa, has spent this season bouncing between the Packersâ practice squad and their active roster. Signed as a special teams replacement for linebacker Nick Niemann, who landed on IR after suffering a pectoral injury in a Week 8 win over the Steelers, Welch has recorded three tackles in eight games this season.
Welchâs injury could mean another elevation for practice squad linebacker Jamon Johnson, who contributed on Thanksgiving when the Packersâ linebacker unit needed help. Johnson was originally signed by Green Bay as an undrafted free agent in May.
Welch previously played for the Packers in 2023, when he appeared in 14 games exclusively on special teams. Heâs also had stints with the Ravens (2020-22, 2024) and Broncos (2024). Altogether, heâs played in 80 regular-season games with two starts, recording 43 tackles (20 solo) and one fumble recovery.
Love Ruled Out With Injuries
In addition to Welch, the Packers also ruled out quarterback Jordan Love (left shoulder/concussion) while guard Aaron Banks (neck/illness) and wide receiver Savion Williams (foot/illness) were downgraded to questionable.
Malik Willis, a fourth-year veteran from Liberty, is expected to start in place of Love. Willis played extensively in Week 16, throwing for 121 yards and a touchdown on 9-of-11 passing while also rushing for 44 yards.
The Packers lost 22-16 in overtime to fall to 9-5-1, but clinched a spot in the NFC playoffs following the Lionsâ 23-10 loss to the Vikings.
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