GREEN BAY – The Packers will be without safety Morgan Burnett when they travel to face the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium Sunday.
The veteran safety didn't practice this week after injuring his hamstring during Sunday's 35-31 win in Dallas. He has 29 tackles with two pass deflections in five starts this season.
A focal point of the 'Nitro' nickel package, Burnett's absence means another defensive player will need to wear the defensive communication headset. Coordinator Dom Capers told reporters Thursday fourth-year safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix could handle those duties Sunday.
Rookie Josh Jones likely will be the Burnett's replacement at the hybrid linebacker spot. He had 11 tackles playing next to Blake Martinez last month against Cincinnati.
The Packers also listed four players as questionable: starting tackles David Bakhtiari (hamstring) and Bryan Bulaga (ankle), cornerback Davon House (quad) and running back Ty Montgomery (ribs).
Cornerback Kevin King (concussion) and linebacker Ahmad Brooks (back) are doubtful to play, while inside linebacker Joe Thomas will miss his second consecutive game with an ankle injury.
Montgomery, who was listed as doubtful last week, donned a flak jacket to provide increased protection around his abdomen this week in practice. He was a full participant both Wednesday and Thursday.
"It made me feel very comfortable about today and the work today," said Montgomery after Thursday's practice. "I played with one in high school. It's very normal. A flak jacket is very normal. It's not in the way or anything."
Bakhtiari and Bulaga were both limited in practice this week. Bulaga played through an ankle injury against Dallas, while Bakhtiari (hamstring) missed his fourth consecutive game.
Offensive line coach James Campen joked Thursday that Bakhtiari was been "semi-miserable" to be around during the injury due to his competitive nature and desire to be back on the field.
Bakhtiari, who missed only three games in his first four seasons, has tried to stay positive and keep his focus set on being healthy for the long term.
"The biggest thing is to, when I go back out there to stay out there," Bakhtiari said. "That's the most important thing, and make sure that I add to the team and don't hinder us at all. That's the process we're taking. We've been taking it day by day. The second it's good enough, we're going to give it a go."
Receiver Jordy Nelson (back) and linebacker Nick Perry (hand) were removed from the injury report and will play.
The Vikings have ruled out quarterback Sam Bradford (knee), receiver Stefon Diggs (groin) and guard Nick Easton (calf) after all three missed practice time this week. Safety Andrew Sendejo is questionable after being limited Friday.
Bradford's absence means Case Keenum will get his fourth start this season for Minnesota.
