Stop the run

The Packers couldn’t stop a nosebleed the last time they faced the Lions, allowing 211 rushing yards in the 34-20 loss. For context, Green Bay only produced 230 total yards of offense.

That game evoked memories of the 49ers steamrolling the Packers in the 2019 NFC Championship game. It felt like the Lions could have won without Jared Goff throwing a single pass.

Green Bay was manhandled by Detroit, who have shown themselves to be a more physical and aggressive team in recent meetings, and Joe Barry’s defense has been inconsistent against the run all season.

Barry showed a willingness to adapt his defense versus the Chargers last week, but his gameplan against the Steelers, whose passing attack scares no one, was baffling, allowing Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren to march up and down the field.

If the Packers show up to Detroit with that same defensive strategy, they will be dead on arrival.

Tucker Kraft

With Luke Musgrave on injured reserve after suffering a lacerated kidney, it is time for his fellow draft classmate to step up.

The former South Dakota State tight end struggled during training camp and at one point was being outsnapped by Ben Sims, but fortunately for the Packers, Kraft has shown signs of growth recently.

Kraft’s blocking has considerably improved, and he had an impressive catch and run last week which was inches away from ending in a touchdown. The rookie will get his opportunity as the number one tight end on Thursday.

New faces on offense

The Packers are facing somewhat of an injury crisis on offense, and at the worst possible time, facing the Lions on a short week.

Aaron Jones will be out for multiple games, while Emmanuel Wilson is now on IR. Josiah Deguara still has not returned to practice as he deals with a hip issue.

In response, James Robinson and Henry Pearson have been brought up from the practice squad, and both have a legitimate chance to play their first snaps for the Packers on Thanksgiving.

In addition to the new faces, some peripheral figures could step into the spotlight to help carry the load. Old friend Patrick Taylor is back after being claimed from New England’s practice squad and will likely be the RB2 behind A.J. Dillon this week.

Dontayvion Wicks will miss the game as he recovers from a concussion, and Jayden Reed was added to the injury report on Tuesday, leaving his status up in the air. That could mean more snaps for Malik Heath and Bo Melton, who was just added to the 53-man roster.

It may be quite the ragtag group of skill position players the Packers trot out on Thursday, adding an extra challenge to an already daunting game.

Aidan Hutchinson

The Jacksonville Jaguars will not be on Green Bay’s Christmas card list after they overthought the first overall pick in 2022, allowing Detroit to draft Hutchinson, who is already proving to be a thorn in the side of the Packers.

Hutchinson terrorized Green Bay earlier this season with 1.5 sacks, a tackle for a loss and three QB hits. He also had an interception versus the Packers last year.

Zach Tom is capable of keeping him contained, but there are plenty of weaker spots on the offensive line for Hutchinson to attack. Holding down the former Michigan standout will be critical if the Packers are to move the ball with consistency.

Amon-Ra St. Brown

St. Brown is the Lions’ most dangerous offensive weapon. Operating primarily from the slot, he is PFFs 5^th highest graded receiver on the season, and looms as a serious matchup problem for the Packers secondary.

Keisean Nixon has been locked into the slot corner position for Green Bay, but his coverage skills are so-so, ranking 78^th out of 115 qualified cornerbacks per PFF.

Carrington Valentine and Corey Ballentine have stepped in admirably while the Packers have dealt with injuries, but they could really use Jaire Alexander back in the lineup to help handle St. Brown this week.