Safety Javon Bullard has been sidelined for the past two games due to an ankle injury, but it seems he is inching closer to a return to the field for the Green Bay Packers. Although the team did not hold a full practice on Wednesday following their Monday night game, Bullard was listed as a limited participant according to the team’s injury estimation report. This marks the first time Bullard has participated in practice since suffering the injury during Week 14 against the Detroit Lions.

Bullard’s potential return is particularly crucial for the Packers, given the recent injury setback to fellow rookie safety Evan Williams, who sustained a quad injury during Saturday’s practice. Williams missed the Packers’ Week 16 game against the New Orleans Saints and was listed as a non-participant in Wednesday’s practice. According to head coach Matt LaFleur, Williams is expected to miss additional time, although there is optimism that he will be ready to return for the playoffs.

With Williams unavailable, Bullard’s return could help solidify the secondary. Bullard, who had primarily played in the slot before his injury, could return to his original safety position, where he would pair with Xavier McKinney. This would allow Keisean Nixon to shift back to the slot, providing the Packers with much-needed depth in the secondary as they gear up for the final stretch of the regular season.

Meanwhile, the injury situation remains fluid for several other Packers players. Wide receiver Christian Watson is nursing a knee bruise he sustained on Monday. While it is not considered a serious injury, Watson was unable to practice on Wednesday. There is still hope that he could be available for the Packers’ upcoming game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, but much will depend on how well he can manage the pain over the next few days.

Two linebackers, Quay Walker and Ty’Ron Hopper, both dealing with ankle injuries, also missed practice. Their availability for Sunday’s game remains uncertain.

Tight ends Tucker Kraft (hip) and Luke Musgrave (ankle) were limited in practice, which suggests they are recovering from their respective injuries but are not yet fully cleared. Cornerbacks Jaire Alexander (knee) and Corey Ballentine (knee), however, were both listed as full participants, indicating that they are on track to be ready for the Vikings matchup.

On the Minnesota Vikings’ side, cornerback Fabian Moreau (hip) and safety Harrison Smith (foot) were the only players not participating in practice on Wednesday. Defensive lineman Jalen Redmond was listed as limited after sustaining a concussion.

As both teams head into the final weeks of the season, the injury reports will continue to shape the roster decisions and the preparations for critical matchups, especially for the Packers, who are hoping for a strong finish with key players like Bullard potentially returning to action.