Packers dealing with slew of injuries ahead of tilt with Falcons

The Falcons and Packers are gearing up for a Week 2 tilt in Atlanta as both clubs enter 1-0.

Both beat division rivals. The Falcons forced three turnovers and ran the ball on the Panthers to the tune of a two touchdown finish. The Packers actually had a similar formula against the Bears. Justin Fields and Bryce Young struggled, but the Green Bay offense was much more effective than Atlanta’s.

These two teams are actually pretty similar in how they want to win. The offenses are powered by the backfield; Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillion are the engines of Matt LaFleur’s unit, while Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier drive Arthur Smith’s. The defenses are both ascending and tough up front.

LaFleur and Smith want to build off running the ball, giving similar looks regardless of the personnel or play call. It’s setting up for an exciting contest as both sides are dealing with injuries, but Green Bay has a much longer list.

Packers Injury Report

DNP: LT David Bakhtiari (rest; knee), RB Aaron Jones (hamstring), WR Christian Watson (hamstring)

Limited: LB Quay Walker (concussion), WR Romeo Doubs (hamstring), RB Rashan Gary (knee), LG Elgton Jenkins (knee)

Full: S Anthony Johnson (knee)

Falcons Injury Report

DNP: LB Troy Andersen (concussion)

Limited: CB Jeff Okudah (foot)

Full: RB Cordarrelle Patterson (thigh), DL Calais Campbell (rest), TE Jonnu Smith (rest)

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The big ones to watch here are Aaron Jones, Christian Watson, Jeff Okudah, and Troy Andersen.

As stated before, Jones is the driving force in that offense. He totaled 127 yards from scrimmage and two total touchdowns on 11 touches. He’d be a devastating loss for the Packers. Watson didn’t suit up in Week 1 but is Green Bay’s best wideout.

Okudah also didn’t strap it up last week and would be an improvement over Tre Flowers. It looks like he’s trending in the right direction, but it’s too early in the week either way.

Andersen is a new one here. The second-round pick from 2022 started next to Kaden Elliss last week and logged a sack. His absence would be a big blow to Atlanta’s defense. The depth behind him — Tae Davis and Nate Landman — isn’t inspiring.

We’ll see how these develop as the week progresses.

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Photographer: David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire