TNF Preview: Bears vs. Packers

The Chicago Bears (1-5) will take on the Green Bay Packers (3-2) on Thursday Night Football from Lambeau Field. If the bears lose this game, this will be the first time that they are 1-6 since 2000.

The Packers have lost this season twice; to the Vikings (14-17), and the Cowboys (30-16). Chicago also beat the Packers last year on Thanksgiving night. Lastly, take note of the fact that the Bears did defeat the talented Colts. Even though they lost to the Lions and Jaguars, it was by 9 combined points.

Injury Issues

With injuries on both sides, neither team can play to their full potential.  Some key injured players for the Packers include running backs Eddie Lacy and James Starks, along with cornerbacks Damarious Randall and Quinten Rollins. The Bears lost key players for the game including Eddie Royal, Deiondre Hall, and most likely Tracy Porter.

Could Lacy’s Injury End His Season?

Lacy suffered a foot injury during the Packer win against the Giants. He hobbled during that game, but still played against Dallas. His foot injury is reported to need surgery. It is undetermined if he will be able to come back to play this season.

Royal’s Injury

Royal suffers from a toe injury currently that will not allow him to play on Thursday. He received the injury during the fourth quarter of the Bears game against the Jaguars on Sunday. For the past two weeks Royal has not been practicing either due to a calf injury.

How Injuries Affect the Bears and Packers

With multiple key players missing from both teams, backup players take over the game. Green Bay and Chicago are a huge rivalry, and it will be interesting to see how the intensity carries over with multiple backups playing.

Packers' RB Eddie Lacy, Bears' WR Eddie Royal officially ruled out for Thursday night. pic.twitter.com/lnIrMCeMAa

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 19, 2016

Coach’s Thought on the Game

Although both teams will have to use backup players, Green Bay Packers head Coach Mike McCarthy says he has faith in his whole team to play well.

Chicago Bears head coach John Fox also spoke about how the teams should go about getting ready for this game.

Will Aaron Rodgers Get It Together?

Throughout this season, Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ statistics have been at a low in comparison to his other seasons. Rodgers ranks 20th amongst quarterbacks, has a 60.2 completion percentage, and averages 234 yards per game. In this game, look out for Rodgers and see if their loss against the Cowboys will snap him out of his funk.

Catch the Game

Kick-off is set for 7:25 p.m. and will be broadcasted by CBS and the NFL, on the radio through Westwood One Sports, and on Twitter through SB Nation Live Stream.