Packers Place Chris Brooks on Injured Reserve Before Bears Game

The Green Bay Packers will enter their Week 5 matchup against the Chicago Bears without running back Chris Brooks after placing him on injured reserve on Saturday, Oct. 10. The move at Lambeau Field sidelines Brooks for at least four games because of an ankle injury, according to Sports Illustrated and ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Brooks suffered the injury during Green Bay's previous game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, leaving the contest in the first half. He had started that game after contributing 15 carries for 70 yards and three receptions for 24 yards this season, according to Sports Illustrated.

The roster decision also changes Green Bay's options in the backfield. The Packers promoted Pierre Strong Jr. from the practice squad to the active roster on Thursday, giving him an extended opportunity to contribute while Brooks recovers.

Strong will join MarShawn Lloyd and Kaleb Johnson among the running backs available to the Packers. Offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich said Lloyd had performed well when given opportunities and expected Johnson to receive more chances in situations previously handled by Brooks.

Stenavich also emphasized that Brooks contributed beyond his work as a runner. The injured player had an important role in pass protection and special teams, where he tied for the team lead with 14 tackles last season.

Brooks' absence presents a particular challenge in pass protection because, according to Sports Illustrated, the Packers do not have another running back on the roster who can fully replace his reliability in that area. His contributions on special teams also add to the responsibilities the team must redistribute.

Strong declined to predict how the coaching staff would divide the workload but expressed confidence in the available running backs.

"We all good backs. We all great backs. We all can take one to the house any given day.

So, I'm just going to leave that to the coaches. Whenever my number's called, I'm going to be ready," Strong said.

Green Bay's running back adjustment comes as the team prepares for a divisional meeting with Chicago. The Packers have faced uncertainty in their backfield during the 2026 season, and Brooks' placement on injured reserve removes one of their options for at least the next four games.

The Packers also face questions along the offensive line. Sports Illustrated reported that Green Bay did not elevate offensive lineman Mekhi Becton from the practice squad for the fourth consecutive game, leaving his Packers debut on hold.

Injuries to left guard Aaron Banks and right guard Jacob Monk left both players doubtful for the Chicago game, while Jager Burton was listed as questionable after dealing with back spasms. Green Bay was expected to consider Jordan Morgan, Laken Tomlinson, Sean Rhyan, Kevin Zeitler and Anthony Belton among its starting offensive linemen.

Offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich praised Travis Glover after the lineman made his first NFL start against Tampa Bay. Stenavich said Glover had competed hard, performed well in pass protection and demonstrated physicality, giving the coaching staff another option as it evaluates the line.

Chicago also made roster adjustments ahead of the game. The Bears activated linebacker Noah Sewell from injured reserve and elevated running back Zavier Scott from the practice squad, while slot cornerback Kyler Gordon and defensive tackle Shemar Turner were ruled out after not being activated from their return designations.