Week 18 Showdown: Packers vs. Vikings - Who's Ready to Rumble?
Updated January 4, 2026, at 10:46 a.m. CT
The anticipation is building! The Green Bay Packers and the Minnesota Vikings are gearing up for their Week 18 clash, and the big question on everyone's mind is: Who's in, and who's out? We'll have the answers as the teams announce their inactive players, approximately 90 minutes before kickoff on Sunday, around 10:30 a.m. CT. Stay tuned, because this post will be your go-to source for all the latest updates on player availability.
With the Packers already locked into the No. 7 seed in the NFC playoffs, they're strategically resting several key starters. This, combined with a roster battling injuries, has led to a flurry of activity. The Packers have made a whopping 23 individual moves this week, including claiming two veterans and promoting six players from the practice squad to the active roster. That's a lot of shuffling just to field a 48-man gameday roster for the regular season finale!
So, who can we expect to see on the field for the Packers this Sunday? While quarterback Jordan Love, running back Josh Jacobs, and safety Xavier McKinney are likely to sit this one out, the team, led by Coach Matt LaFleur, will need to navigate this tricky situation carefully, hoping to avoid any further injuries before their playoff opener next week.
Love Active, Diggs to Debut
As previously reported, Jordan Love is active, but will be the backup quarterback behind Clayton Tune, and Trevon Diggs is set to make his Packers debut. Several others will be playing their first game for the Packers on Sunday, including practice squad signings such as Jaylin Simpson, Lecitus Smith, Shemar Bartholomew, Johnathan Baldwin and Jakobie Keeney-James.
Packers Inactives vs. Vikings
The Packers have a number of key starters among the seven inactive players for Sunday:
- QB Malik Willis
- LB Quay Walker
- RB Josh Jacobs
- WR Dontayvion Wicks
- S Xavier McKinney
- RT Zach Tom
- LB Edgerrin Cooper
With Willis out, Jordan Love will be the backup quarterback on Sunday.
Trevon Diggs to Make Packers Debut
Cornerback Trevon Diggs, acquired via waivers from the Cowboys on Thursday, will make his Packers debut on Sunday in Minneapolis, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. Fowler mentioned Diggs will "see some action" in the regular season finale.
Who's OUT for the Packers?
The Packers have ruled out guard Donovan Jennings and receiver Savion Williams, both placed on injured reserve on Saturday. Linebacker Nick Niemann and guard John Williams, who were designated to return, are also out. In addition to Jennings and Williams, cornerbacks Kamal Hadden and Nate Hobbs, defensive lineman Jordon Riley, and safety Zayne Anderson were also placed on injured reserve this week. Expect several starters to be inactive on Sunday morning.
Who Else is Battling Injuries for the Packers?
Wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks is doubtful after missing practice this week with a concussion. Right tackle Zach Tom is questionable with a knee injury, which has kept him out of the last two games. Quarterback Malik Willis is also questionable due to injuries to his throwing arm (shoulder) and legs (hamstring).
Who's OUT for the Vikings?
The Vikings have ruled out former Packers running back Aaron Jones, starting tight end T.J. Hockenson, and rookie returner Myles Price on the final injury report.
Who Will Play QB for the Packers and Vikings?
The Packers will start Clayton Tune, who was signed from the practice squad this week. Jordan Love, who cleared concussion protocol on Thursday, is expected to be the backup behind Tune, with Malik Willis battling shoulder and hamstring injuries. The Vikings will start J.J. McCarthy, returning after missing last week with a right hand injury.
And this is the part most people miss...
It's a strategic move for the Packers, but is resting key players the right call? What are the potential risks and rewards? And how will these changes impact the game's outcome? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
