The Green Bay Packers are gearing up for a challenging Week 12 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. Despite holding a 7-3 record and a two-game advantage over the 5-5 49ers in the NFC playoff race, the Packers must navigate a competitive landscape with the season nearing its conclusion. San Francisco, meanwhile, trails the 6-4 Arizona Cardinals by just one game in the NFC West, a division crowded with three 5-5 teams. Both teams have a lot at stake in their playoff aspirations, and while this game isn’t a “must-win” for either, it could significantly impact postseason seeding.
In a bid to address their injury concerns, the 49ers have added former Packers defensive lineman Jonathan Garvin to their roster.
Garvin, a seventh-round pick by Green Bay in the 2020 NFL Draft, had a limited role during his rookie season, appearing in eight games without making a significant impact on defense or special teams. However, his role expanded in 2021, when he played in 16 games and recorded 1.5 sacks. In 2022, Garvin appeared in 14 games, contributing two defended passes. Despite these efforts, the Packers released him during their final roster cuts ahead of the 2023 season.
After remaining unsigned in 2023, Garvin joined the Birmingham Stallions of the UFL for the 2024 season. His contract there was terminated when he signed with the 49ers in August. Although Garvin spent time on San Francisco’s practice squad earlier this season, he was released on October 24 without seeing game action. Now rejoining the team, Garvin could provide much-needed depth to a 49ers squad plagued by injuries.
San Francisco’s All-Pro pass rusher Nick Bosa is nursing an oblique injury, while quarterback Brock Purdy deals with a shoulder issue. Additionally, wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has been out for the season due to an ACL tear. In contrast, the Packers are relatively healthy heading into the matchup, with only cornerback Jaire Alexander and running back Marshawn Lloyd missing practice on Wednesday.
As the 49ers turn to Garvin to bolster their defensive line, the Packers will aim to capitalize on their momentum from a Week 11 win over the Chicago Bears. With playoff implications looming, both teams are eager to secure a critical victory.
Leave a Reply