Lukas Van Ness Injury News & Updates
Keep up with the latest injuries from the Bears vs Packers game on Sunday with our National Football League injury report.Dec 1, 2025
Return may not be imminent
Van Ness (foot) was spotted in a walking boot Monday, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Van Ness has been hampered by a foot injury for much of the season and attempted a return in Week 12 against the Vikings. However, he managed only six defensive snaps in that game and was inactive for Week 13. In comments to the media, Van Ness said that he's focused on rehab, so it sounds as if he could be in for at least one more absence in Week 14 against the Bears.
Nov 26, 2025
Ruled out to face Lions
Van Ness (foot) did not practice Wednesday and is ruled out for Thursday's game against Detroit, Wes Hodkiewicz of the Packers' official site.
ANALYSIS
Van Ness returned from a five-game absence and took the field Week 12 versus the Vikings, but he played only six defensive snaps and appears to have aggravated the injury. He didn't practice in any capacity prior to being ruled out for Thursday's divisional contest, and coach Matt LaFleur said Van Ness is "day-to-day." His next opportunity to suit up will come Sunday, Dec. 7 against the Bears in Week 14.
Nov 24, 2025
Estimated as DNP on Monday
Van Ness (foot) was listed as DNP on Monday's estimated practice report, Wes Hodkiewicz of the Packers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Van Ness missed five straight games with a foot injury prior to returning to the lineup Sunday against the Vikings. Van Ness, however, played a season-low six defensive snaps against Minnesota and may have aggravated the injury.
Nov 23, 2025
Good to go Sunday
Van Ness (foot) is active for Sunday's matchup with the Vikings, Mike Spofford of the Packers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
The edge rusher entered the day with a questionable tag after practicing on a limited basis throughout the week. Van Ness last played in Week 6, though he was on the field for 45 percent of the defensive snaps or more in each of Green Bay's first four games of 2025. His usage may not match that number in his first game back.
Nov 23, 2025
Could be back in action Sunday
Van Ness (foot) remains listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Vikings, but the Packers are hopeful that he'll be available to play for the first time since Week 6, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
A limited practice participant through the week, Van Ness is slated to go through a pregame workout Sunday before the Packers decide whether he'll be able to put an end to a five-game absence. Even if he ultimately avoids the inactive list and is cleared ahead of the 1 p.m. ET kickoff, Van Ness could be in line for limited snaps as part of Green Bay's edge-rusher rotation. Through five appearances on the season, the 2023 first-round selection has tallied 11 stops and 1.5 sacks.
Nov 20, 2025
Registers another limited practice
Van Ness (foot) was a limited participant in practice Thursday.
ANALYSIS
Van Ness hasn't played since injuring his right foot against Cincinnati in Week 6. He resumed practicing (in limited fashion) last Thursday, and he's now been limited in four consecutive sessions. That gives Van Ness a chance of returning Sunday versus the Vikings, though he'll likely carry an injury designation into the weekend unless he's able to practice in full Friday.
Nov 19, 2025
Remains limited by foot injury
Van Ness (foot) was a limited practice participant Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
Van Ness has missed five straight games with the foot injury. Dating back to last week, he's now logged three consecutive limited practices, so he's at least trending toward a return.
Nov 16, 2025
Not suiting up Week 11
Van Ness (foot) is inactive for Sunday's contest against the Giants, Mike Spofford of the Packers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Van Ness was able to log a limited practice both Thursday and Friday, but that won't be enough for him to return to action just yet. Instead, the third-year defensive end will sit out a fifth straight game. Kingsley Enagbare should continue to work in a key rotational role with Van Ness sidelined again.
Nov 14, 2025
Questionable for Sunday
Van Ness (foot) is listed as questionable for for Sunday's game against the Giants, Wes Hodklewlcz of the Packers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Van Ness ended the week with back-to-back limited practices, and the consistency in participation likely means he is trending up ahead of Sunday's contest. If the 2023 first-rounder is unable to suit up this week, Kingsley Enagbare will likely continue to acquire the lion's share of rotational defensive end reps for the Packers' defense.
Nov 13, 2025
Limited in practice Thursday
Van Ness (foot) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.
ANALYSIS
Van Ness logs his first practice in any capacity since he left the Packers' Week 6 win against the Bengals with a foot injury. The upgrade to limited participation signals a significant development in the defensive ends recovery and if he is able to string practices together he may have a chance to suit up for Sunday's game against the Giants. If possible, the return of Van Ness would lead to diminishing number of reps for rotational defensive end Kingsley Enagbare (knee).
Nov 12, 2025
DNP on Wednesday
Van Ness (foot) did not practice Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
Van Ness has missed four straight games and has yet to return to practice. Kingsley Enagbare (knee) has been seeing increased reps behind Rashan Gary and Micah Parsons (pectoral) off the edge for Green Bay during Van Ness' absence.
Nov 8, 2025
Not playing Monday
Van Ness (foot) has been ruled out for Monday's matchup versus the Eagles, Rob Demovsky of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
Van Ness will miss a fourth consecutive game due to the foot injury he sustained in the Week 6 win over the Bengals. Head coach Matt LaFleur said that neither surgery or injured reserve are currently not being considered, though the injury hasn't healed as quickly as the team had hoped. Kingsley Enagbare and Barryn Sorrell should continue to see increased playing time in Van Ness' absence.
Nov 6, 2025
Absent from practice Thursday
Packers coach Matt LaFleur said Van Ness (foot) is not participating in Thursday's practice, Wes Hodkiewicz of the team's official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Van Ness has missed three consecutive games due to a lingering foot injury, and the 2023 first-round pick hasn't been able to practice in any capacity in that span. If Van Ness is unable to retake the field in time to suit up at home against the eagles on Monday, expanded defensive reps will continue going to Kingsley Enagbare and rookie fourth-rounder Barryn Sorrell.
Oct 31, 2025
Won't play against Carolina
Van Ness (foot) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Panthers, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
The third-year defensive end will miss a third consecutive game due to a foot injury he sustained in Week 6 against the Bengals. He hasn't been able to practice in any capacity since the injury, so he would likely have to do so in at least a limited capacity to have a chance at returning for the Packers' Week 10 clash against the Eagles on Monday, Nov. 10. Kingsley Enagbare and rookie fourth-rounder Barryn Sorrell will continue to see extra snaps at defensive end in Van Ness's absence.
Oct 29, 2025
Officially doesn't practice
Van Ness (foot) did not practice Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
Coach Matt LaFleur noted earlier Wednesday that Van Ness wouldn't practice, but that he is considered day-to-day. That marks some progress, as Van Ness has been sidelined for each of Green Bay's last two games. He'll likely need to turn in a limited practice Thursday to have a realistic chance to play in Week 9 against the Panthers.
Oct 29, 2025
Considered day-to-day
Head coach Matt LaFleur told reporters that Van Ness (foot) won't practice Wednesday but is considered day-to-day, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Van Ness has not returned to practice since sustaining a foot injury in the Packers' Week 6 win over the Bengals. Although he's not practicing Wednesday, it's a relatively good sign that he was labeled as day-to-day, as it suggests he could return for the Week 9 matchup against the Panthers. The Iowa product likely needs to upgrade to at least limited participation Thursday or Friday in order to have a chance at playing Sunday.
Oct 24, 2025
Won't play against Pittsburgh
Van Ness (foot) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Steelers, Wes Hodkiewicz of the Packers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Van Ness sustained a foot injury during the Packers' Week 6 win over the Bengals, and he'll miss a second straight game as a result. The 2023 first-rounder has worked in a rotational role at defensive end this season, so his absence means more snaps are available for Kingsley Enagbare and rookie fourth-rounder Barryn Sorrell. Van Ness will look to progress enough in his recovery to return to practice during the Packers' Week 9 prep.
Oct 22, 2025
Sits out practice again Wednesday
Van Ness (foot) didn't practice Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
Van Ness is dealing with a foot injury that he suffered in Week 6 against Cincinnati. He didn't practice at all last week before missing Sunday's game against the Cardinals and still wasn't able to take the field to begin Week 8 prep. Van Ness had been logging around half of Green Bay's defensive snaps on a weekly basis before getting hurt.
Oct 17, 2025
Won't play in Week 7
Van Ness (foot) will not play in Sunday's game against the Cardinals, Wes Hodkiewicz of the Packers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Van Ness suffered the injury in the Packers' Week 6 win over Cincinnati. He was unable to practice in any capacity during the week, so his absence could extend beyond Sunday's matchup against Arizona.
Oct 15, 2025
Doesn't practice Wednesday
Van Ness (foot) did not participate in Wednesday's practice.
ANALYSIS
Van Ness was carted off the field to the locker room during the Packers' Week 6 win over the Bengals due to a foot injury, and he finished the game with two tackles (one solo), including 1.0 sacks. Van Ness's status for Green Bay's upcoming road game against Arizona on Sunday will depend on his practice participation over the next two days. Kingsley Enagbare and Barryn Sorrell would stand to see more rotational snaps at defensive end behind Rashan Gary and Micah Parsons if Van Ness is not cleared to play against the Cardinals.
Oct 12, 2025
Questionable to return vs. Cincy
Van Ness is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Bengals due to a right foot injury, Wes Hodkiewicz of the Packers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Van Ness was carted off the field to the locker room, where his foot injury will be evaluated to determine whether he can return to Sunday's game. Kingsley Enagbare will serve as the top rotational defensive end behind Rashan Gary and Micah Parsons for as long as Van Ness is out of the game.
Aug 19, 2025
Back at practice
Van Ness (back) returned to practice Tuesday, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Van Ness missed Monday's session, but his injury evidently isn't severe. Van Ness has appeared in all 34 regular-season games since being taken with the No. 13 overall pick in the 2023 Draft, but he's made zero starts and played less than 40 percent of the defensive snaps each campaign. The Packers are banking on Van Ness taking a step forward in his development opposite Rashan Gary.
Aug 18, 2025
Sidelined by back injury
Van Ness (back) didn't practice Monday, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
This is the first mention of an injury for Van Ness in 2025. If he's unable to participate in Green Bay's Aug. 23 preseason finale against the Seahawks, Van Ness's next opportunity for game action wouldn't come until Week 1 against the Lions on Sept. 7. The 2023 first-round draft pick is expected to take on a larger role in his third NFL campaign after posting 7.0 sacks through two regular seasons while appearing in all 34 games but making zero starts.
Jan 20, 2025
Just 3.0 sacks in his second season
Van Ness finished the 2024 season with 33 tackles (22 solo), including 3.0 sacks, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery across 17 regular-season contests.
ANALYSIS
The 13th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Van Ness' second pro season virtually mirrored his first. He appeared in all 17 games (zero starts) and upped his tackles number by a mere one, while his sack total dipped from 4.0 as a rookie to 3.0 in his second season. After playing 33 percent of the defensive snaps in 2023, Van Ness was up to 39 percent this past season. The Packers are likely hoping for a third-year leap from Van Ness in 2025. Green Bay could use a more productive edge rusher opposite Rashan Gary.
Dec 5, 2024
Back in action Thursday
Van Ness (thumb) returned to Thursday's contest versus the Lions, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Van Ness was able to return to the field in the second quarter against Detroit after being considered questionable with a thumb injury. The 23-year-old will continue to handle the bulk of the work opposite of Rashan Gary at defensive end in Week 14.
Dec 5, 2024
Questionable to return Thursday
Van Ness (thumb) is questionable to return to Thursday night's matchup with the Lions, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Van Ness suffered a thumb injury in the first half of Thursday's contest with Detroit, placing some doubt on his ability to return to the field. In his absence, Kingsley Enagbare and Brenton Cox stand to see an increase in workload on the defensive line.
Nov 5, 2024
Set to see increased role
Van Ness should see an increased role with the Packers' first-team defense following Preston Smith's trade to the Jets on Tuesday, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Van Ness served as a rotational edge rusher through the first nine games of the regular season while also contributing to special teams. However, following Smith's departure and assuming Green Bay doesn't add any other veteran edge rushers, Van Ness should start with the first-team defense alongside Rashan Gary and defensive tackles Kenny Clark and Devonte Wyatt. Van Ness -- the Packers' first-round selection of the 2023 NFL Draft -- has accumulated 20 tackles (14 solo), including 1.0 sacks, and one fumble recovery during the 2024 regular season.
Jun 6, 2024
Back at practice
Van Ness (thumb) returned to practice at OTAs on Tuesday, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Van Ness missed some time while recovering from a thumb fracture, but he's already back on the field. The 2023 first-round pick is coming off a rookie campaign in which he racked up 32 tackles (24 solo) and four sacks across 17 regular-season appearances.
May 29, 2024
Dealing with thumb injury
Packers coach Matt LaFleur said Wednesday that Van Ness is dealing with a broken thumb, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
LaFleur did not get into the origin of Van Ness' injury, but he downplayed the severity of the issue by saying that Van Ness "broke his thumb just a little bit," per Demovsky. The 2023 first-round pick also did not participate in Green Bay's voluntary OTA sessions Wednesday, according to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic, so it will be worth monitoring by the start of the team's mandatory minicamp on June 11. Van Ness recorded 32 tackles and 4.0 sacks over 17 games during his rookie season.
Jan 23, 2024
Ends with four sacks
Van Ness tallied 32 tackles (24 solo), 4.0 sacks and a pass deflection over 17 games in the 2023 season.
ANALYSIS
Van Ness filled a complementary role for much of his rookie season, but he made his presence felt late in the campaign, racking up three sacks over the final six games of the regular season and another in Green Bay's playoff opener. Van Ness was taken with the 13th pick in the 2023 draft, so the Packers figure to give him more opportunities in his second go-around.
Dec 18, 2023
Adds to sack total
Van Ness tallied four tackles (three solo) and a sack in Sunday's 34-20 loss to the Buccaneers.
ANALYSIS
Van Ness has played a complementary role in his first season as a professional, but he recorded a sack in two of Green Bay's last three games and now owns 3.0 sacks through 14 appearances. Expect him to continue working as a situational pass rusher for the Packers.
Sep 24, 2023
Suiting up Sunday
Van Ness (elbow) is active for Sunday's Week 3 contest versus New Orleans, Mike Spofford of the Packers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Van Ness hurt his elbow last week against Atlanta but was able to log a trio of limited practice sessions this week. He entered Sunday with a questionable tag but has been cleared to play. Van Ness has tallied four tackles (three solo), including one sack, in a rotational role across his first two NFL games .
Sep 22, 2023
Questionable for Sunday
Van Ness (elbow) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game versus the Saints, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
After sustaining an elbow injury in Week 2 at Atlanta, Van Ness' status for Week 3 is now up in the air. If he can't go Sunday, Justin Hollins figures to be the primary beneficiary in terms of playing time.
Sep 20, 2023
Limited at practice
Van Ness (elbow) was a limited participant at practice Wednesday, Kassidy Hill of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.
ANALYSIS
Van Ness left Sunday's 25-24 loss at Atlanta early after sustaining an elbow injury, and it looks like the injury could affect his status for Week 3. The good news for him is that he still gets two more opportunities to practice in full before the Packers' final injury report is posted Friday.
Sep 17, 2023
Suffers elbow injury Sunday
Van Ness is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Falcons due to an elbow injury.
ANALYSIS
Van Ness had two tackles, including one for loss, before leaving the contest. He was injured while trying to bring down Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier. The severity of the injury remains unclear, but in Van Ness' absence, Kingsley Enagbare and Justin Hollins are candidates for increased roles.
Sep 11, 2023
Notches first sack
Van Ness tallied two solo tackles and a sack in Sunday's 38-20 victory over the Bears.
ANALYSIS
Van Ness did not make much noise during the preseason, but he made his presence felt early in Week 1, chasing down quarterback Justin Fields and essentially forcing the Bears to settle for a field goal. Van Ness will not be asked to contribute as much as some other first-round picks given Green Bay's depth at the pass-rush spots, but he played just shy of 50 percent of the snaps Sunday and will undoubtedly get a chance to carve out a more prominent role.
Apr 27, 2023
Green Bay bound
The Packers selected Van Ness in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, 13th overall.
ANALYSIS
Green Bay is turning over a new leaf in the post-Aaron Rodgers era but opted to focus on the defensive side of the ball with its first pick. Though Van Ness was never technically a starter at Iowa, there's a reason why he was a coveted defensive line prospect in this class. His 13.5 sacks over the last two seasons actually outpaced fellow first-round prospect Nolan Smith's sack production. Van Ness (6-foot-5, 272 pounds) is tenacious and scheme versatile with his best position likely being at defensive end. Green Bay invested in Devonte Wyatt in last year's class, and the rookie likely will challenge him for snaps opposite Kenny Clark.
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