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Packers’ Injury Concerns Cast Doubt on Three Starters Ahead of Bears Clash

The Green Bay Packers could be shorthanded in a major way Saturday night in Chicago, with three key starters now in doubt for their Week 16 matchup against the Bears. Offensive tackle Zach Tom (back/knee), safety Evan Williams (knee), and running back Josh Jacobs (knee/ankle) were all non-participants in practice throughout the week.

Each player carries a questionable designation on the final injury report, but the outlook is pessimistic. ESPN’s Rob Demovsky indicated that he does not expect either Tom or Williams to play, while Jacobs is trending closer to doubtful, even if his status has not been officially downgraded. While none of this comes as a surprise given recent developments, it is far from ideal as the Packers prepare for yet another game with significant implications.

Another Week, Another Wave of Injuries

Of the three players, Jacobs appears to have the best chance of suiting up. Speaking Friday on the Chicago-based podcast Carmen and Jurko, Demovsky said the veteran running back will likely be a game-time decision.

Jacobs has been dealing with knee issues since suffering the injury in Week 11 against the New York Giants. It is the latest in a long list of ailments the Packers’ locker-room leader and physical runner has battled through this season, often playing through pain to stay on the field.

Williams, meanwhile, suffered an MCL sprain on the same play that Micah Parsons was injured during last Sunday’s game in Denver. His absence would be particularly damaging given his role as one of Green Bay’s most reliable run defenders in the secondary. Against a Bears team that leans heavily on its ground game, losing Williams could significantly impact the defensive game plan.

Tom’s situation has been less sudden but equally frustrating. He has appeared on and off the injury report all season, a recurring issue that has made it difficult for the Packers to establish continuity along the offensive line. Missing him in a hostile road environment would only add to those challenges.

How the Offense Might Adjust

Interestingly, Jacobs’ potential absence may not be the most critical loss for this specific matchup. Backup running back Emanuel Wilson has shown he can handle a heavier workload. In his lone start this season — Week 12 against the Vikings — Wilson rushed for 107 yards and two touchdowns. However, his usage has been limited since then, with just nine carries for 27 yards over the past three games.

One underrated area where Jacobs’ absence could be felt is in the passing game. As a dependable checkdown option, Jacobs ranks second on the team with 33 receptions. Losing that safety valve could subtly but meaningfully alter Green Bay’s offensive rhythm.

As the Packers head into Chicago facing mounting injuries, uncertainty surrounds not just who will be available — but how effectively they can adapt in what continues to be their biggest test of the season.

 
 

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Sheila Ford Hamp Quietly Gives Back to Detroit — When the Lions Become More Than Just a Football Team
Detroit, Michigan – December 20, 2025 While many NFL headlines are dominated by contracts, revenue figures, and on-field results, Sheila Ford Hamp has chosen a far quieter — and far more meaningful — path. Without press conferences or public announcements, the Detroit Lions’ chairwoman has made a deeply personal decision rooted not in football operations, but in responsibility to the city her family has called home for generations. According to sources close to the organization, Hamp has quietly donated a significant portion of her personal income to support the construction and expansion of community housing and homeless assistance programs across the Detroit metropolitan area. The initiative focuses on providing warm shelter, long-term affordable housing options, and emergency resources for families and individuals most vulnerable during Michigan’s harsh winter months. For Detroit, this was more than an act of charity. It was a statement. Homelessness and housing insecurity remain persistent challenges throughout the city. Rather than treating the issue as a talking point, Hamp chose direct action — leveraging her resources to create stability, safety, and opportunity for those too often overlooked. “There are people in this city who pass Ford Field every day without knowing where they’ll sleep at night,” Hamp shared privately with those familiar with the effort. “If we have the ability to help and choose not to, then we’re missing the point of what it means to represent Detroit.” Within the Detroit Lions organization, the gesture reflects a broader philosophy that has steadily reshaped the franchise’s identity. Football success matters, but it is not the only measure of leadership. Players, staff, and executives alike have noted that Hamp’s approach reinforces a culture of accountability — not just to wins and losses, but to the community that supports the team through every season. Sources emphasize that the initiative is not tied to branding or public relations. No logos. No naming rights. No social media campaigns. The goal is impact, not attention — ensuring that families have warm places to sleep, access to basic services, and a chance to rebuild during the most unforgiving time of year. In a league often defined by financial metrics and competitive advantage, Sheila Ford Hamp’s actions serve as a reminder that the greatest influence an owner can have doesn’t always appear on a balance sheet or in the standings. Sometimes, it’s found in the quiet decision to put people first. Detroit may one day remember the Lions for championships and historic seasons. But long after the final whistle fades, the city will remember moments like this — when leadership chose compassion over convenience, and when the Lions became more than just a football team.