Packers down 4 starters on defense on MNF vs. Saints

The Green Bay Packers will be without four preferred starters on defense when they take on the New Orleans Saints on “Monday Night Football” in Week 16.

Linebacker Quay Walker, cornerback Jaire Alexander, rookie defensive back Javon Bullard and rookie safety Evan Williams are all inactive against the Saints. Walker and Bullard were ruled out on Saturday’s final injury report with ankle injuries, while Alexander still isn’t physically ready to return from a knee injury first suffered in late October. Williams suffered a quad injury late in the week and was listed as questionable on the final injury report.

In primetime, a short-handed Saints offense will take on a suddenly short-handed Packers defense.

Isaiah McDuffie, Edgerrin Cooper and Eric Wilson should handle the majority of snaps at linebacker, with Ty’Ron Hopper available as a backup option. In the defensive backfield, expect Keisean Nixon to start in the slot with Carrington Valentine and Eric Stokes outside, and Zayne Anderson could get a first career start next to Xavier McKinney at safety.

Receiver Malik Heath and offensive lineman Jacob Monk are both healthy scratches for the second straight week.

The Saints will be without quarterback Derek Carr, running back Alvin Kamara, receiver Chris Olave, receiver Rashid Shaheed and tight end Taysom Hill. Former Packer Marquez Valdes-Scantling is also inactive.

Packers inactives for Week 16

LB Quay Walker

WR Malik Heath

S Javon Bullard

CB Jaire Alexander

S Evan Williams

OL Jacob Monk

Saints inactives for Week 16

QB Derek Carr

WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling

RB Alvin Kamara

DT Nathan Shepherd

DT Khristian Boyd

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