Final Packers injury report ahead of Week 2 game vs. Jets

The Green Bay Packers did everything right for nearly three full quarters in the season opener against the Minnesota Vikings. However, that was not enough because the Packers could not finish the job in the fourth quarter. That may have been the first game of the season, but the collapse in the final 15 minutes turned a 22-10 lead into a 39-22 defeat. It was a similar story to the one that hurt the team badly in the final four games of the regular season last year and then in the season-ending Wild Card defeat to the Chicago Bears .

As a result, the Packers are in a near-desperate situation to win in Week 2 when they travel to MetLife Stadium to face the New York Jets. Under most circumstances, a game against the Jets often results in an easy victory, but head coach Aaron Glenn's team earned a road victory over the Tennessee Titans in Week 1 and the team is hungry to regain respectability in the NFL.

The Packers still have a team that is capable of putting together a winning season, gaining a playoff spot and possibly earn the NFC North title. However, the Packers have to regain the ability to hold on to a fourth-quarter lead — particularly the double-digit variety — and string wins together.

Packers have some injury issues, but late news is positive for Van Ness

The Packers have some injury issues as they get ready to kickoff against the Jets. However, the calf injury to DL Warren Brinson along with DT Javon Hargrave's knee and concussion issues are not likely to be decisive in the game. Brinson has been ruled out while Hargrave is doubtful.

Left guard Aaron Brooks and right tackle Zach Bako-Bewele both have knee issues and are listed as questionable. While the Packers would be forced to play backups Dononvan Jennings and Anthony Belton at left guard and right tackle, respectively, if Brooks and Bak0-Bewele can't play, the likelihood is that the starters will be able to compete.

The biggest issue for the Packers revolves around outside linebacker Lukas Van Ness. He was a limited participant in practice throughout the week and was listed as questionable as a result of a concussion. However, a late report Saturday from NFL insider Adam Schefter revealed that he had cleared concussion protocol and he is expected to be in the lineup for the Packers.

Van Ness had 4 tackles and 1.0 sack against the Vikings, and while he has not lived up to his first-round draft status in his fourth year in the NFL, the Packers are counting on him stepping up quite a bit this season. The Packers are hoping he can help contain hard-running Jets running back Breece Hall.

Offense has to hold up without Jacobs

The Packers clearly have other issues besides their injuries. The biggest is the absence of running back Josh Jacobs, who remains on the Commissioner's Exempt List following a misdemeanor battery and criminal damage conviction. An official suspension is likely to follow, but he is not allowed to practice or play as long as he is on the exempt list.

The Packers are depending on MarShawn Lloyd and Chris Brooks to give them a running game while Jacobs remains out of commission. The two running backs combined for 66 yards on 20 carries against the Vikings, and head coach Matt LaFleur needs more from them in this game.

So does quarterback Jordan Love. There is no doubt that the Packers will be more dependent on their passing game than they were a year ago when they had Jacobs. If the running game is adequate, Love has a chance to be dynamic in the passing game.

When the offensive line gives him time Love has a chance to put remarkable numbers on the board. He opened the season by throwing for 387 yards with 2 TDs and 1 interception against Minnesota.

Green Bay receivers have game-breaking speed

The Packers have a dynamic crew of receivers including Christian Watson, Jayden Reed and Matthew Golden along with tight end Tucker Kraft.

Watson is the best of the wide receivers and can dominate against the Jets secondary, while Reed and Golden both have game-changing speed and could break the game open. Watson caught 6 passes against the Vikings for 147 yards and 2 touchdowns, and he will be very tough for the Jets to contain.

Kraft is coming back from an ACL injury and appears to be in top shape as he heads into Week 2. He was on his way to an All-Pro performance last year at the time of his injury — and he could gain that honor this season. Kraft caught 3-65 against the Vikings. He is especially dangerous on third-down and red zone plays.