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Packers Rest Starters in Preseason-Like Loss
5 Jan
Summary
- Packers rested 16 key players in a 16-3 loss to Vikings.
- Coach Matt LaFleur prioritized player safety after last season's injury.
- Team finished with a negative seven passing yards.
The Green Bay Packers opted to rest numerous key starters, including quarterback Jordan Love, in their regular-season finale, resulting in a 16-3 defeat against the Minnesota Vikings. This strategic decision was made by Coach Matt LaFleur, who prioritized player health over performance in a game with no playoff seeding implications for the team.
LaFleur learned a harsh lesson in the previous season's Week 18 game when wide receiver Christian Watson sustained a season-ending ACL tear. Consequently, he aimed to avoid a repeat scenario by keeping 16 critical contributors off the field for this matchup. Jordan Love, despite being cleared from concussion protocol, was slated to be a backup and would not have attempted a pass if called upon.
The Packers' conservative approach led to an unusual offensive output, including a mere minus-7 passing yards, their lowest since 1976. This loss marked the end of their regular season on a four-game losing streak, placing them among a rare group of playoff teams to finish with such a deficit.
