The Green Bay Packers are heating up just as the weather turns cold—exactly the momentum they need. Currently 8-3 and in third place in a competitive NFC North, they trail the 9-2 Minnesota Vikings and the division-leading 10-1 Detroit Lions.
The Packers have won six of their last seven games, with their only loss coming against the Lions on Nov. 3. Following a dominant win over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, they now face a quick turnaround to prepare for a Thanksgiving night clash with the Miami Dolphins.
This matchup, which seemed favorable for Green Bay just weeks ago, now looks more challenging. The Dolphins, after struggling earlier in the season, have won three straight games and re-entered the playoff picture. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has been in excellent form since returning from a concussion, leading a revitalized Miami offense that appears difficult to contain.
Adding to the Packers’ challenge, they might be without two key linebackers. Edgerrin Cooper (hamstring) and Isaiah McDuffie (ankle) both missed practice on Tuesday, per Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Their availability for Thursday remains uncertain.
McDuffie, who hasn’t missed a game this season, is third on the team with 61 tackles. Cooper, fifth on the defense with 52 tackles, also missed Sunday’s game against the 49ers due to his injury.
Linebacker injuries could hurt Packers against Dolphins
If there’s ever a bad time to have a banged-up linebacker corps, it’s when facing the Miami Dolphins. Mike McDaniel’s offense has thrived in recent years by exploiting defenses with subpar or injured linebackers, turning mismatches into big plays.
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