GREEN BAY – The Packers have listed receiver Christian Watson (hip) and cornerback/returner Keisean Nixon (groin) as questionable for Sunday's matchup with the Minnesota Vikings.
Meanwhile, quarterback Aaron Rodgers (right thumb/knee), and starting tackles David Bakhtiari (knee/abdomen) and Yosh Nijman (shoulder) are all expected to play after not receiving game statuses. It'll be Bakhtiari's first game back since undergoing an emergency appendectomy last month.
Bakhtiari practiced in a limited capacity all week, while Nijman and Rodgers both were full participants on Friday.
"The appendix, it's terrible," said Bakhtiari on Friday. "I would've liked to keep going, keep playing. I'm not going to downplay practice but just give me whatever I can get to get ready for the games because I want to be out there. The silver lining in that was it gave a chance for everything to catch up instead of playing catch-up throughout the season. Shoot, it's probably the best I've felt in a long time."
Watson returned to practice on a limited basis Friday, his first on-field work since exiting during Sunday's 26-20 win over the Miami Dolphins. Speaking with reporters on Thursday, Watson said he injured his hip at the end of his 10-yard catch on fourth-and-1 in the second quarter.
Despite not playing in the second half, Watson still finished with a career-high six receptions for 49 yards. He has 35 receptions for 496 yards and seven TD catches on the season.
"I've been feeling better and better each day," Watson said. "It's obviously something that I've got to take day to day and just hoping I continue to take strides and hopefully I can cut loose on game day."
Nixon didn't practice this week after aggravating a groin injury in Miami. In addition to being Green Bay's starting nickel cornerback, Nixon currently leads the NFL in kickoff return average (27.5 yards per return). Minnesota's Kene Nwangwu is second at 26.0.
Along with Rodgers, Bakhtiari and Nijman, the Packers did not issue game statuses for the following players who are all expected to be available: cornerback Jaire Alexander (forearm), linebacker Krys Barnes (hand), safety Rudy Ford (wrist/knee), guard/tackle Elgton Jenkins (knee), running back Aaron Jones (knee/ankle), and tight end Marcedes Lewis (veteran rest).
Minnesota center Garrett Bradbury will miss his fourth straight game with a back injury, while defensive end James Lynch also has been ruled out.
The Vikings didn't issue a game status for cornerback Cameron Dantzler (ankle) and guard Ezra Cleveland (shoulder), both of whom are expected to play Sunday.
Green Bay Packers
| Player, Pos. | INJURY | WED | THURS | FRI | STATUS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jaire Alexander, CB | Forearm | FP | FP | FP | -- |
| David Bakhtiari, T | Knee / Abdomen | LP | LP | LP | -- |
| Krys Barnes, LB | Hand | FP | FP | FP | -- |
| Rudy Ford, S | Wrist / Knee | FP | FP | FP | -- |
| Elgton Jenkins, G/T | Knee | LP | LP | LP | -- |
| Aaron Jones, RB | Knee / Ankle | LP | LP | LP | -- |
| Marcedes Lewis, TE | NIR - Vet Rest | (Not Listed) | DNP | FP | -- |
| Yosh Nijman, T | Shoulder | LP | LP | FP | -- |
| Keisean Nixon, CB | Groin | DNP | DNP | DNP | Questionable |
| Aaron Rodgers, QB | Right Thumb / Knee | DNP | LP | FP | -- |
| Christian Watson, WR | Hip | DNP | DNP | LP | Questionable |
Minnesota Vikings
| Player, Pos. | INJURY | WED | THURS | FRI | STATUS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garrett Bradbury, C | Back | DNP | DNP | DNP | Out |
| Ezra Cleveland, G | Shoulder | LP | LP | FP | -- |
| Cam Dantzler, CB | Ankle | FP | (Not Listed) | (Not Listed) | -- |
| James Lynch, DL | Shoulder | DNP | DNP | DNP | Out |
