The Green Bay Packers (9–7–1) travel to Soldier Field to face the Chicago Bears (11–6) in a grudge-match 2025 NFL Wild Card Game on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 8:00 p.m. ET on Amazon Prime Video. This divisional rivalry has extra juice after Chicago’s dramatic Week 16 comeback in overtime, and both clubs enter the playoffs with health questions that could swing this NFC North playoff showdown.
Game Preview: Packers vs. Bears
The Bears clinched the NFC North title with an 11–6 record behind Caleb Williams’ clutch playoff-caliber arm and late-game heroics this season, including multiple comeback wins that defined Chicago’s identity.
Meanwhile, the Packers took the final Wild Card spot at 9–7–1, finishing strong enough to earn a road playoff date. Green Bay’s offense has battled through adversity, and coach Matt LaFleur will need his vets firing on all cylinders in frigid conditions that could favor a run-heavy script.
This rivalry’s recent history adds intrigue: the Bears’ late comeback in Week 16 saw Chicago erase a double-digit deficit and win in overtime, giving them momentum and bragging rights going into the postseason.
Green Bay Packers – Official Game Day Injury Status (Jan. 10, 2026)
OUT / Ruled Out
WR Dontayvion Wicks – Out (Concussion) — Failed to clear protocol; officially ruled out for today’s Wild Card game vs. Chicago.
Questionable
These players carried questionable tags into game day (status pending final inactives list):
QB Malik Willis (Shoulder/Hamstring) — Questionable, limited during week.
RT Zach Tom (Back/Knee) — Questionable; missed Thursday practice (rest day) but was limited earlier in the week.
DL Warren Brinson (Foot) — Questionable, limited all week.
LB Nick Niemann (Pectoral) — Questionable after limited practices.
S Javon Bullard (Knee) — Questionable (limited).
IN / Cleared / No Designation
Other offensive and defensive contributors — including RB Josh Jacobs (fully healthy and off the report) — are expected to play without restriction.
Earlier IR Move (Not Playing)
WR/CB Bo Melton — Placed on injured reserve earlier in the week; out for playoffs.
Chicago Bears – Official Game Day Injury Status (Jan. 10, 2026)
OUT / Ruled Out
DB C.J. Gardner-Johnson (Concussion) — Ruled out for the Wild Card game.
DE Joe Tryon-Shoyinka (Concussion) — Out due to concussion protocol.
LB Amen Ogbongbemiga (Concussion) — Also ruled out.
Questionable / Status Updates
CB Kyler Gordon (Groin) — Questionable; status uncertain for today’s game.
OT Braxton Jones (Knee) — Questionable / listed on IR-R (eligible to return window closing today).
IN / Cleared
WR Rome Odunze — Off the injury report and expected to play after practicing fully late in the week.
WR DJ Moore — Practiced fully and expected to be active.
OL Ozzy Trapilo — Practiced and expected to play; off report.
Impact of Injuries on the Game
Packers
Green Bay’s offensive line health is a storyline. Getting Zach Tom back, even at limited strength, could be the difference in establishing the run and protecting the quarterback. Conversely, the loss of Bo Melton already ends his versatile contributions on offense and special teams.
Bullard’s status remains vital for the secondary. If limited, the Packers may lean more on zone coverage and rotation to keep him fresh. Edgerrin Cooper’s return to full participation helps shore up the linebacking corps, especially against Chicago’s play-action concepts.
Bears
On Chicago’s side, the health of Odunze and Moore will significantly impact the Bears’ ability to sustain drives and stretch the field. Limited status isn’t great, but both receivers are focal points of Caleb Williams’ passing attack.
Defensively, missing Gardner-Johnson and having other secondary players limited could open favorable matchups for Green Bay’s passing game - if Jordan Love can exploit them. Gordon’s possible return offers a defensive boost, especially in man coverage.
Final Thoughts
This Wild Card battle between two NFC North rivals is a classic playoff chess match. With Chicago boasting home-field advantage and a high-octane offense (even if slightly dinged up), Green Bay’s resilient roster will need its stars to play through limitations to upset.
Stay tuned for final injury designations, as availability could swing the betting line and overall game strategy ahead of kickoff.
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