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Two Packers O-Line Starters Out of Practice Before Bears Clash Due to Mysterious Illness

Jan 8, 2026

Green Bay, Wisconsin – As the Green Bay Packers prepare for their crucial NFC Wild Card matchup against the Chicago Bears, an unexpected concern has emerged in practice that could impact the team’s offensive stability.

For Wednesday and Thursday’s sessions, right tackle Zach Tom and nickel defender Javon Bullard were held out or limited in practice due to a lingering illness, leaving two key starters unavailable as preparations intensified for Saturday night’s showdown at Soldier Field.
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Tom, the Packers’ most reliable lineman, was given a “rest day” on Thursday, while Bullard, who sustained a knee injury during Week 16 against the Bears, participated in a limited capacity throughout the week. Coach Matt LaFleur acknowledged the caution but emphasized that both players would be evaluated right up to gametime.

“Zach looked good in practice,” LaFleur said. “We’ll give him until game time, and if he’s ready, he’ll be out there.” Bullard, meanwhile, downplayed concerns about his injury. “I’m straight. I’m looking forward to Saturday,” he said. “Just a little football bump—it’s nothing that will keep me off the field.”

In addition to Tom and Bullard, four other players were limited during the week: WR Dontayvion Wicks (concussion protocol), LB Nick Niemann (recently activated from IR), rookie DT Warren Brinson (foot), and backup QB Malik Willis (shoulder/hamstring). The team hopes their return to full health will provide depth and flexibility against a Bears squad coming off a strong finish to the regular season.
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Despite the absences, the Packers remain confident in their preparation. Running back Josh Jacobs, who missed Week 18, is fully healthy and expected to carry a significant workload in the backfield. Special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia praised Niemann’s versatility: “He can play multiple roles on kickoffs and punts, and his experience as a personal protector is invaluable. We hope he’s ready to contribute this weekend.”

On the Bears’ side, several key starters are returning, including WR Rome Odunze and D.J. Moore, while C.J. Gardner-Johnson remains sidelined with a concussion. Coach Ben Johnson expressed optimism about the Packers’ matchup readiness: “It’s good to have our guys back. They’re moving well, and we’ll see how they help us out this weekend.”

The Packers’ final injury report ahead of the Wild Card Round: Questionable – DT Warren Brinson (foot), S Javon Bullard (knee), LB Nick Niemann (pectoral), RT Zach Tom (back/knee), WR Dontayvion Wicks (concussion), QB Malik Willis (right shoulder/hamstring).

With playoff margins razor-thin, the availability of these key starters could be the difference between advancing and elimination. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as Green Bay heads into one of the most intense divisional rematches of the season.

Escalating Tensions: Iran's Hypersonic Missile Strike on Tel Aviv Marks a New Phase in the Conflict
Tel Aviv, Israel – 16/03/2026 The conflict between Israel and Iran has entered an alarming new phase with reports of a devastating missile strike aimed at the heart of Tel Aviv. According to sources, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched Fattah-1 hypersonic missiles toward several strategic locations near the Kirya defense complex, a central hub for Israel's military leadership. If confirmed, this strike will mark one of the most significant escalations of the war. The reported use of hypersonic missile technology underscores Tehran's advanced asymmetric capabilities, even in the face of months of relentless airstrikes and bombing campaigns targeting Iranian military infrastructure. Analysts have pointed to this development as a worrying sign that Iran’s military innovation remains formidable despite the intense pressure from Israel and its allies. The missiles are believed to have targeted key sites within the city, including the Kirya complex, which holds immense significance for Israel’s security operations. The strike is notable for being the first known instance of hypersonic weapons being used against a major Israeli urban center, signaling a new phase in warfare that challenges traditional defense systems. As news of the missile launch broke, emergency sirens blared across central Israel, prompting thousands of residents to seek refuge in reinforced shelters. The high-speed projectiles reportedly managed to evade Israel's formidable defense systems, including the Iron Dome and Arrow missile defense network, raising grave concerns about the effectiveness of current technology in countering next-generation hypersonic threats. In response to this unprecedented attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed a "devastating response." The strike on Tel Aviv’s core economic and cultural center, he emphasized, would not go unpunished. Authorities are still assessing the full extent of the damage and any potential casualties, as the situation remains fluid. The incident has also triggered reactions from the United States. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that American Aegis defense systems stationed in the Mediterranean were unable to intercept the missiles, citing their extreme speed and maneuverability. This revelation has spurred urgent discussions among Western defense planners, who are grappling with the growing threat posed by hypersonic weapons. As smoke rises above parts of the Tel Aviv skyline, the eyes of the world are now fixed on the possible retaliation from the U.S.–Israeli coalition. With this attack, many analysts view a critical red line as having been crossed, heightening fears that the conflict is entering its most dangerous and unpredictable phase yet. As the situation continues to develop, the international community remains on edge, awaiting the next moves from both sides. The use of hypersonic missiles has not only escalated the military confrontation but has also raised troubling questions about the future of global security and the efficacy of missile defense systems in the face of rapidly advancing technologies.