GREEN BAY, Wis. — On Monday night, New Orleans Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler was preparing to go up against a diminished Green Bay Packers secondary that was missing three key starters during his fourth career start.

Rattler took over the starting position in place of Derek Carr, who was unable to play for the second consecutive game due to an injury to his left hand, which is not his throwing hand. The Saints were also without the services of five-time Pro Bowl running back Alvin Kamara, who was sidelined with a groin injury, as well as wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who was dealing with chest and illness issues.

Meanwhile, the Packers faced challenges of their own in the secondary, as cornerback Jaire Alexander was out with a knee injury, alongside safeties Evan Williams and Javon Bullard, who were also not available due to quadriceps and ankle injuries, respectively. Although Alexander practiced throughout the week, he missed his fifth consecutive game, while Bullard missed his second straight outing. Williams was listed as questionable prior to the game but ultimately could not take the field.

Moreover, Green Bay’s defense was further weakened by the absence of linebacker Quay Walker, who leads the team in tackles. He was ruled out just a day before the game due to an ankle injury.

On a positive note for the Packers, tight end Luke Musgrave was activated off injured reserve on Monday after being out for nearly three months with an ankle injury. Although Musgrave had a promising rookie season with 34 receptions for 352 yards and a touchdown in 11 games, he has only recorded five catches for 22 yards this season, having played just four games to date, the last being on September 29.

The Packers’ list of inactive players also included wide receiver Malik Heath and offensive lineman Jacob Monk. The Saints had defensive tackles Nathan Shepherd and Khristian Boyd listed as inactive for the game.