GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Packers wideout Davante Adams is optimistic that he will be able to play in Green Bay’s season finale against the Detroit Lions, a game in which he would have a shot to break a couple of franchise receiving records.
Adams missed practice on Wednesday. The star receiver hurt his right knee in last week’s 44-38 overtime win over the New York Jets.
“I see myself being out there. I’m always going to be optimistic. A little sore right now, but we’ll play it throughout the week and see how it feels,” Adams said in the locker room.
The Packers (6-8-1) were eliminated from playoff contention two weeks ago. They placed another key starter, Kenny Clark, on injured reserve on Wednesday after the defensive lineman missed the past two games with an elbow injury.
With 111 catches, Adams is two shy of breaking the club record set by Sterling Sharpe in 1993. He’s also 134 yards shy of breaking the single-season mark set by Jordy Nelson (1,519) in 2014.
“Yeah, that would be sweet. We’ll see exactly how it goes,” Adams said about the possibility of setting the records. “Obviously, I’ve got my sights set on trying to win a football game, and if we can accomplish that in the meantime, it would be great.”
Green Bay’s lengthy injury report lists nine players who sat out practice on Wednesday, including Adams and five other starters. Cornerback Jaire Alexander (groin), left tackle David Bakhtiari (hip) and linebacker Clay Matthews (back) were among those who sat out.
Receiver Randall Cobb (concussion), who missed last week’s game, also sat out practice. Tight end Jimmy Graham (knee/thumb) has regularly missed practices on Wednesdays during the year for maintenance.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, a regular on the injury report this year, said that he plans on playing in the finale even if Bakhtiari can’t go. Bakhtiari, the Packers’ best lineman, has often said that he plays if Rodgers plays.
Rodgers, who led the Packers’ stirring comeback against the Jets, participated fully in practice with lingering knee and groin injuries.
“Well, I plan on playing. So . if anybody has to adjust this week, it’s got to be” Bakhtiari” Rodgers said.
Interim head coach Joe Philbin said the intent is for players to go if cleared.
“If they’re not ready to go … and it’s not in their best interest to play in the game, then they absolutely won’t play in the game,” Philbin said. “However, if they’re healthy and they’re able to contribute to the success of the team, again — they’re football players and that’s what they should be doing.”
NOTES: Starting left guard Lane Taylor and right tackle Bryan Bulaga were limited with knee injuries. Starting safety Kentrell Brice was limited with an ankle injury. … Rookie reserve offensive lineman Alex Light was activated from exempt status after being suspended by the league last week for the Jets game for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.
