Green Bay Packers facing injury crisis ahead of Thanksgiving showdown with Miami Dolphins

The Green Bay Packers are set to be without four key starters for their Thanksgiving showdown with the Miami Dolphins, a contest the Packers will feel they need to win

The Green Bay Packers are bracing themselves to be without four key players for their Thanksgiving showdown with the Miami Dolphins - a game they'll feel compelled to win.

The Packers are currently on a commendable two-game NFL winning streak as they prepare to face the Dolphins, a game in which they're expected to triumph, to keep up with the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings in the NFC North. Green Bay are trailing by two wins behind the Lions, who are leading both the division and the conference with just six games remaining, while Detroit will also be in action on Thanksgiving.

Despite being tipped to win, Green Bay could be missing superstar cornerback Jaire Alexander, wide receiver Romeo Doubs and off-ball linebackers Edgerrin Cooper and Isaiah McDuffie. The Packers might have to rely on several rookies if all four are sidelined, which could significantly influence the game's outcome against a revitalised Dolphins team.

Miami have been on a winning streak since Tua Tagovailoa returned as quarterback, with the offence looking stronger than ever.

Meanwhile, Packers quarterback Jordan Love continues his unpredictable season after becoming one of the NFL's highest-paid players, already throwing 11 interceptions this year - matching his total from last season. He has thrown 18 touchdowns so far through 11 games.

"Great player," said Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel when asked about Love ahead of the game. "I think what's been cool is any time you watch people have expectations thrust upon them and then to be able to grow as a quarterback, you can see the influence on his game that he took from Aaron Rodgers but then you can also see him play his own style of ball.

"I think the way he competes is real cool; I think he's not afraid of the situation. He will make the long, intermediate or short throw, so it's been cool to watch him develop, and I know Matt (LaFleur, Green Bay's head coach) has a fun time coaching him."

The Lions are set to face a struggling Bears team in the first Thanksgiving game, with Chicago on a five-game losing streak despite Caleb Williams' standout performances in consecutive weeks. The Lions-Bears match will kick off a trio of Thanksgiving games, followed by the Dallas Cowboys hosting the New York Giants and then the Dolphins heading to Lambeau Field to challenge the Packers.

The Vikings won't see action until Sunday when they take on Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals, following a narrow victory over the Bears - an overtime win that saw quarterback Sam Darnold continue his impressive season.