Packers' Matthew Golden Active for TNF vs. Panthers; Jonnu Smith Inactive, Carolina Moves CB Akayleb Evans to IR
Matthew Golden will play Thursday night in Carolina after missing two practices, while tight end Jonnu Smith is among Green Bay's inactives
Matthew Golden is good to go for Thursday night in Charlotte.
The Packers receiver is active against the Panthers, Adam Schefter reported, after he missed practice Monday and Tuesday. His availability was the biggest question for Green Bay heading into kickoff, because losing him would have thinned a receiver room the offense uses to stretch defenses.
Cornerback Keisean Nixon and defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt are also active for the Packers. The surprise on their inactive list is tight end Jonnu Smith, and no reason has been reported. Green Bay is also without running back Kaleb Johnson, linebacker Zaire Franklin (hairline fracture), guard Sean Rhyan (high-ankle sprain), Donovan Jennings and Travis Glover.
Packers WR Matthew Golden is active tonight.View on X →
Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter): Packers WR Matthew Golden is active tonight.
The Panthers ruled out edge rusher Jaelan Phillips, guard Damien Lewis and Torricelli Simpkins III before the game. Their inactives also include running back AJ Dillon, tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders and Bobby Brown III, with Haynes King serving as the emergency third quarterback.
Carolina's secondary took another hit, too. The team placed cornerback Akayleb Evans on injured reserve, signed Malcolm DeWalt IV off the practice squad and elevated Marco Wilson and Jake Curhan for the game. Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson were already on IR.
The Packers come in at 4-3 after a 20-17 loss at Detroit and are favored by about 3.5 points. Carolina is 3-3 and has a chance to get back above .500 at home in prime time.