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Packers Coach Matt LaFleur Bench Two Starters After Pre-Game Party Incident Before Bears Clash

Green Bay, Wisconsin – January 9, 2026

In a surprising move ahead of Saturday’s crucial NFC Wild Card matchup against the Chicago Bears, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur announced that right tackle Zach Tom and nickel defender Javon Bullard would be removed from the starting lineup. The decision comes after both players missed Thursday’s practice, citing “health reasons,” following reports that they had attended an overnight party. Sources confirmed the players were intoxicated and unavailable for morning workouts.
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LaFleur addressed the media on Friday, emphasizing the importance of accountability and professionalism within the Packers organization:
"In Green Bay, discipline comes first. No matter who you are, our team standards must be met. Everyone is expected to show up ready to work, fully prepared, and committed. Wearing the green and gold means holding yourself accountable every single day. We didn’t get here by confidence or belief but by effort, relentless discipline. When those standards aren’t met, there are consequences."

The Packers, already facing a challenging Bears squad, will rely on backups to fill the gap left by the two starters. Analysts suggest the decision could impact Green Bay’s protection schemes and defensive coverage, particularly in high-pressure moments during the rematch of their Week 16 overtime thriller.
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Bullard, typically a mainstay in the defensive backfield, and Tom, a veteran leader on the offensive line, were seen arriving late to practice and reportedly attempted to excuse their absence by claiming minor health concerns. LaFleur said the excuse did not absolve them from responsibility.

"This isn’t about punishment for the sake of it," LaFleur added. "It’s about setting the tone for the entire roster. Everyone needs to understand that their actions affect the team, the city, and the fans who trust us every week."
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Despite the shakeup, Packers fans are encouraged that other key starters, including quarterback Jordan Love and running back Josh Jacobs, are healthy and ready to step up in the backfield. LaFleur expressed confidence that the team can adapt and compete at a high level despite the disciplinary action.

The Bears, meanwhile, will enter Soldier Field aware of the disruption in Green Bay’s lineup. Whether the absence of Tom and Bullard will impact the Packers’ performance remains a key storyline leading into one of the NFC’s most anticipated Wild Card clashes.

Zelensky Accuses Russia of Supplying Suicide Drones to Iran
  Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of supplying Iran with Shahed-style suicide drones, which are reportedly being used by Tehran to target U.S. bases and neighboring countries in the Middle East. However, Zelensky has not provided concrete evidence to support these claims. In an interview released by CNN on March 14, Zelensky stated, "I have 100% accurate information that Iran is using this type of UAV to target U.S. bases and neighboring countries in the Middle East." The Shahed drones, originally produced by Russia after receiving a license from Iran, have been implicated in attacks on U.S. and allied military installations in the region. Zelensky further claimed that Russia is also providing intelligence support to Iran's attacks. "Russia's position is that if Washington and Europe are helping Kyiv with intelligence, Moscow can similarly support Tehran," Zelensky added. Despite these bold assertions, the Ukrainian president did not present any direct evidence to substantiate his claims. Neither Russia nor Iran has officially commented on these allegations. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed on March 14 that Iran is "militarily cooperating" with both Russia and China, though he did not provide further details. Earlier reports from The Washington Post cited sources indicating that Russia had provided Iran with intelligence on the location of U.S. military assets in the Middle East. This alleged support is believed to have helped Tehran successfully target a range of high-value targets in the region, including radar systems valued between $500 million to over a billion dollars. U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff stated on March 10 that Russia has denied sharing intelligence with Iran, affirming that Washington "can trust" Moscow's statements. Shahed drones, developed by Iran, come in various models and have been a key part of Iran's military capabilities. Iran reportedly supplied several Shahed-136 drones to Russia, granting Moscow a license to produce them under the name Geran-2. The Geran-2, which weighs about 200 kg and carries a 50 kg warhead, has a range of 2,500 km and is primarily used by Russian forces in long-range strikes against Ukraine. However, it can also be used for tactical strikes near the frontlines if needed. Images of a Geran-2 UAV in flight over Kyiv in December 2025 have highlighted its growing role in the conflict. In late February 2026, after the U.S. and Israel launched an attack on Iran, Tehran responded by targeting Israel's territory, U.S. bases in the Middle East, and vital energy infrastructure across the Gulf region with both missiles and suicide drones. According to CBS, the early phase of the conflict saw an Iranian drone strike on a U.S. military operations center in Kuwait, resulting in six soldiers' deaths. The specific type of drone used remains unclear. Additionally, a radar system in Qatar, worth approximately $1.1 billion, was damaged in an attack believed to have been carried out by an Iranian suicide drone. The growing use of these drones by Iran, particularly with alleged Russian support, has further escalated tensions in the Middle East, adding to the already volatile situation between the U.S., Iran, and their respective allies.