“Sunday Soaker” with rain during the Packers-Lions game

GREEN BAY, Wis. — The Green Bay Packers will try to run, pass and sneak past the Detroit Lions on Sunday at Lambeau Field.

“Widespread rain” has already begun in Green Bay, with “drenching rain” expected this afternoon for the big NFC North showdown. according to Steve Bailon of WBAY-TV.

WBAY’s hourly forecast calls for 52 degrees at 3 p.m. — about 25 minutes before kickoff — with an 83 percent chance of rain. The chance of rain increases to 98 percent at 4 p.m., 99 percent at 5 p.m. and 93 percent at 6 p.m.

Plus there will be a southeast wind, a speed of about 15 meters per second.

Regardless, the Packers practiced outside in the rain on Thursday. The Lions, meanwhile, have played exactly zero outdoor games this season. Their only game on grass was at Arizona in Week 3.

Thursday’s practice was the first of the week for quarterback Jordan Love, who suffered a groin injury last week in Jacksonville. He will return to the lineup against the Lions.

“That could certainly be the case on game day,” offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich said after practice. “I think the biggest thing for him is that he gets the confidence to go out there and just run around and throw the ball and do all that stuff, just for him to mentally prepare himself for the game.”

Tight end Tucker Craft compared it to the Slip ‘N Slide.

“Getting a chance to play in the elements before it happens, you practice catching a wet ball, trading a center fielder, trading a fullback for a running back, all those things,” Kraft said.

“It was great to be able to get out and train in the elements. I look forward to making it even more of what Lambeau is known for.”

It’s not like Leos are going to self-destruct in the elements.

They’ve beaten the Packers in Lambeau back-to-back seasons, including the 2022 finale when the temperature was 21 degrees and the wind was 12.

“I love a good throwback game. It’s nice to get that every once in a while,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said this week.

He added: “Honestly, I think we’re very comfortable playing in all elements.”

The equipment staff could be Sunday’s MVP. Even under the best circumstances, Lambeau Field can get a little slippery as the season progresses, especially during the afternoons and nights.

“I think it actually levels the playing field across the board,” Campbell said. “He can neutralize hitters, he can neutralize speed, change of direction.

“But at the end of the day, here’s what you know: whoever can keep their feet on the ground and not slip will be your best players on Sunday in the elements. And we have such guys, there are a lot of them. So, we’re looking forward to it. Look, they play on this grass, they understand what it is, and it won’t be something new for them either, and they have a lot of good players. So I just think it’s great, it’s back to football and it’s good.”

Although the umpires will do their best to keep the ball dry, heavy rainfall will make the ball difficult to throw and catch. Football management may therefore be particularly important.

The Packers have a strong backup in Josh Jacobs.and the Lions have a top tandem with David Montgomery and Jameer Gibbs.

Montgomery was a player at Lambeau Field. Last season, when Detroit won 34-20, he had 32 catches for 121 yards and three touchdowns. With Chicago in 2022, he threw 15 times for 122 yards. With Chicago in 2020, he had 103 rushing yards, 143 total yards and one receiving touchdown.

“I think our run defense is definitely moving in the right direction and that will continue to be the case this week,” Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley said Thursday. “That will be the key to this game. It could be like today – another beautiful day; rainy, cool, slippery field. So, we have to be involved in this game.”

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And if you don’t like this story, Josh Jacobs is one of the reasons why #Packers will win today. https://t.co/6IYEh05mof

— Bill Huber (@BillHuberNFL) November 3, 2024