Green Bay @ Washington preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 19, 2017 ) Green Bay 21, Washington 17

The Green Bay Packers rely heavily on superstar quarterback Aaron Rodgers, and his lingering knee issue is a point of concern for the team. The Packers hope to have Rodgers as close to full strength as possible when they visit the Washington Redskins in Week 3 on Sunday.

Rodgers suffered a left knee injury in a Week 1 win over the Chicago Bears and played throughout last week's 29-29 tie against the Minnesota Vikings with a brace, and he is still not a full participant in practice. "It just depends on how the week goes with the rehab and the recovery," Rodgers told reporters of his ability to play through the injury again on Sunday. "Obviously, I'd love to be better than I was last week as far as health-wise but there's some factors that are out of my control." The quarterback chosen ahead of Rodgers in the 2005 draft, Alex Smith, suffered his first loss with his new team in Washington's 21-9 setback at home against Indianapolis in Week 2. "I think any good team has got to be able to handle both (wins and losses) and all the stuff in between," Smith told reporters. "I think it's the tale of the season is how you handle all these situations, emotions, stress, all the stuff that comes with this game. You have to be able to handle all that stuff."

TV: 1 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Packers -3. O/U: 45.5.

ABOUT THE PACKERS (1-0-1): Rodgers expressed concern that his knee injury could worsen with further play but still intends to tough it out if possible. "It’s a combination of understanding your body really well and knowing your weaknesses based on whatever is ailing you," Rodgers told reporters. "For me, as a leader, I want to be out there with the guys. That’s my motivation, is to lead and be on the field and contribute." Rodgers passed for 281 yards and a TD with the injury against Minnesota last week, but the defense was shredded for 425 yards and four scores by opposing quarterback Kirk Cousins.

ABOUT THE REDSKINS (1-1): Smith lost a weapon on offense when Washington placed running back Rob Kelley on injured reserve Tuesday with a toe injury, giving the team three running backs on IR. Instead of adding to the running game, the Redskins elected to beef up the passing attack by signing veteran receivers Michael Floyd and Breshad Perriman. "I think the fact that they're both veteran guys and have played helps with that," Smith told reporters of building a relationship with the two new receivers. "We'll see. We're not going to forecast anything for either of the guys. Get out on the practice field, put our work in and we'll see where it goes."

EXTRA POINTS

1. Redskins OT Trent Williams (knee) was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday and is questionable.

2. The Packers activated RB Aaron Jones (two-game suspension) and released CB Deante Burton.

3. Green Bay rookie LB Oren Burks (shoulder) could make his season debut on Sunday.

PREDICTION: Packers 31, Redskins 27