The Green Bay Packers, sitting at 8-3, aim to maintain pressure on the NFC North-leading Detroit Lions, who recently improved to 11-1 with a narrow win over the Chicago Bears. The Packers are set to face the Miami Dolphins at Lambeau Field in a Thanksgiving matchup.

While Miami’s 5-6 record might not seem daunting, the Dolphins enter the game on a three-game winning streak, bringing momentum and confidence to the contest. However, the Packers face some challenges with key players sidelined due to injuries.

Two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jaire Alexander is out for the second straight game, sidelined by a torn PCL. His absence leaves a significant gap in Green Bay’s secondary as they prepare to face Miami’s explosive offense led by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Additionally, rookie linebacker Edgerrin Cooper will also miss his second consecutive game due to a hamstring injury sustained during practice ahead of the Packers’ Week 12 victory over the San Francisco 49ers.

Adding to the list of absentees, wide receiver Romeo Doubs is unavailable after suffering a concussion in the same game against the 49ers.

Despite these setbacks, the Packers received encouraging news regarding two key players ahead of the game. Starting center Josh Myers, who was questionable all week due to a pectoral injury, will be active. Myers’ availability is crucial for quarterback Jordan Love, as their established connection plays a pivotal role in Green Bay’s offensive rhythm. Myers has been a reliable pass protector and run blocker this season, which is the final year of his rookie contract.

Additionally, linebacker Isaiah McDuffie, who was also listed as questionable with an ankle injury, is set to play. McDuffie’s presence is especially important given Cooper’s absence, as he provides much-needed depth alongside Quay Walker, who is coming off his best performance of the season. Without McDuffie, Green Bay’s linebacker corps would have been limited to rookie Ty’Ron Hopper and veteran Eric Wilson.

While the Packers face challenges with injuries, the activation of Myers and McDuffie boosts their prospects against the Dolphins in a game that could significantly impact their playoff positioning in a competitive NFC North race.