Green Bay ruled out Devonte Wyatt and Lukas Van Ness for Week 7, leaving its league-best defense shorthanded against the Cardinals
00:05 ET, 18 Oct 2025
Head coach Matt Lafleur of the Green Bay Packers reacts
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The Green Bay Packers will be without two defensive assets against the Cardinals
The Green Bay Packers will be missing two important defensive linemen, Devonte Wyatt and Lukas Van Ness, as they prepare to play the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. According to the team's final injury report before Week 7, both players are officially out. The double injury setback follows another double injury incident before facing the Washington Commanders.
Both players were sidelined with lower-body injuries: Wyatt was nursing a knee issue, and Van Ness was dealing with a foot injury. Neither of the defensive anchors participated in practice this week. The absences will be a setback for a defense that ranks among the NFL's best through the first five games.
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Green Bay's defense currently allows the fewest yards per game in the league and has surrendered just 102 total points, also fifth-best. Wyatt's interior pressure and Van Ness's edge containment have contributed to that early-season success that Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is looking for.
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Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley's unit is based on speed and physicality, anchored by Micah Parsons.
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The Packers (3-1-1) will now have to adjust their defensive front against an Arizona offense that has quietly pushed teams to the brink.
All six of the Cardinals’ games this season have been decided by a touchdown or less, including four consecutive losses by a combined nine points.
Green Bay's full injury report includes receiver Christian Watson (knee), who remains on the physically unable to perform list and will miss the game despite practicing limitedly for the second week in a row.
Green Bay has listed Watson to come back from injured reserve, keeping him within the 21-day practice period, but he has not yet been approved for game participation.
Four players were cleared to participate after limited involvement earlier this week, including rookie receiver Matthew Golden (shoulder), guard Aaron Banks (groin/knee), tackle/guard Jordan Morgan (knee), and defensive lineman Warren Brinson (abdomen/neck).
Lukas van Ness is carted off the field
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Lukas van Ness is carted off the field
The Packers' defensive depth will be tested, with third-year veteran Karl Brooks expected to see expanded snaps in Wyatt's absence and Rashan Gary as the lone defensive end on the left side following Brenton Fox Jr. on the IR.
Parsons recently criticized NFL referees for not calling obvious holding penalties on the opposing team during games. The pass-rushing star hopes to avoid these issues ahead of the Arizona matchup.
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"They don't call offsides for offense, but they'll call it on defense," he said. "They won't call offensive pass interference, but they'll call defensive pass interference. We know what they're trying to do."
"They want to load the points up so fans can be happy. They'll call defensive holding, but they won't call offensive holding. Let's just wake up."
"If you're going to say it's about protecting players, then protect all players," he continued. "Don't just protect one side of the ball."