The air in Green Bay is probably still a bit thin after what happened in Chicago. If you’re looking for the kickoff time for a Green Bay Packer game today, Wednesday, January 14, 2026, I have to be the bearer of some pretty rough news. There isn't a game. The Packers' season officially ended just four days ago in a heartbreaking 31-27 Wild Card loss to the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field.
Honestly, it’s been a weird few days. Usually, this time of year, we’re talking about playoff brackets and whether the grass at Lambeau is holding up. Instead, the building at 1265 Lombardi Avenue is buzzing with "future contracts" and roster autopsies. The loss to the Bears didn't just end the season; it slammed the door on a year that felt like a permanent rollercoaster. One week they looked like Super Bowl locks, the next they couldn't find the end zone with a map.
Where the Green Bay Packer game today stands (The Offseason Reality)
Since there’s no game on the schedule today, the focus has shifted entirely to the front office. General Manager Brian Gutekunst didn't even wait for the turf to settle in Chicago before he started making moves. On Monday, the team signed 16 players to "reserve/future" contracts. Basically, these are guys who spent time on the practice squad and are being stashed for the 90-man offseason roster.
You’ve probably heard some of the names. Pierre Strong Jr. and kicker Lucas Havrisik are back in the mix. It's a clear signal that the team isn't happy with how certain units performed when the pressure was highest.
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Who the Packers signed this week:
- Running Backs: Pierre Strong Jr., Damien Martinez
- Special Teams: Kicker Lucas Havrisik
- Pass Catchers: TE Messiah Swinson, TE Drake Dabney, WR Will Sheppard
- The Trenches: T Brant Banks, G Karsen Barnhart, T Dalton Cooper
It's sort of a "don't go anywhere" letter for developmental talent. These deals don't actually kick in until the 2026 league year starts in March, but it’s the first step in trying to fix a roster that collapsed in the second half of the Wild Card game.
The Post-Game Hangover: What went wrong against Chicago?
Everyone is still dissecting that Saturday night disaster. Going into the game, the Packers were the 7th seed, and the Bears were the 2nd. It was the 131st "Border Battle," and for a while, it looked like Green Bay was going to pull off the upset.
Jordan Love had moments of brilliance, but the offensive line... man, it was a struggle. According to Matt LaFleur's recent comments, they’re looking at everything from scheme to personnel. The fact that Dontayvion Wicks was out with a concussion definitely hurt the depth, and while Zach Tom tried to tough it out with his knee and back issues, the protection just wasn't consistent enough.
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The Bears defense, led by Kevin Byard, eventually did what they’ve done all year: they forced the issue. It sucks to lose to a rival in the postseason, but it’s even worse when you realize this was the only time the Bears had beaten the Packers in the playoffs since 1941. Talk about a historic sting.
Looking ahead to the 2026 schedule
While you won't find a Green Bay Packer game today, the 2026 opponents are already set. Because the Packers finished second in the NFC North (behind the Bears), their schedule for next year is going to be a gauntlet.
They’re matched up with the NFC South and the AFC East. That means marquee games against the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins at Lambeau. They also have to travel to face the Los Angeles Rams. It’s not going to be an easy road back to the postseason.
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The offensive line is the biggest question mark. Only eight linemen are currently under contract for 2026. There’s a very real chance Elgton Jenkins could be a cap casualty unless a pay cut happens, and Rasheed Walker is heading toward free agency. It’s basically a full-scale reconstruction project.
Why Jan. 14 matters for Packer fans
Today is actually a pretty significant day for "Inbox" readers and the die-hards. It's the day the team really starts the self-scouting process. The coaches are in those dark rooms watching "cut-ups" of every play from the season.
If you're feeling a bit lost without a game, you're not alone. The "Insider Inbox" over at the team's official site is currently a mix of fans venting their frustrations and others already looking at the draft. There’s a lot of talk about whether the team can find a way to keep the "Dr. Jekyll" version of this offense (the one that scores 30+) and fire the "Mr. Hyde" version that showed up in Minnesota and Chicago.
Your next steps as a fan:
- Watch the Salary Cap: The Packers are reportedly over the 2026 cap right now. Expect some veteran releases or restructures in the coming weeks.
- Draft Scouting: Keep an eye on the Senior Bowl rosters. With the offensive line in flux, Gutekunst will likely be hunting for tackles and guards early.
- Rest and Recovery: For players like Jordan Love (who dealt with shoulder/concussion issues late in the year) and Zach Tom, the next two months are about getting healthy.
The 2025-26 season is in the books. It was a wild ride that ended about three weeks too early for most of Wisconsin. But hey, at least we aren't the Bears fans who had to wait 80 years for a playoff win against us. We'll take the small victories where we can get them.