Packers’ run defense takes hit with Wilson injury

DE injured knee in Giants game Sunday

GREEN BAY, Wis. — The Green Bay Packers might have the worst timing in the NFL.

Adrian Peterson and the Minnesota Vikings roll into town Sunday, and the Packers expect they’ll be without defensive end C.J. Wilson, a cornerstone of their run defense. That’s on top of the absences of Charles Woodson and, most likely, Clay Matthews. Wilson injured his knee on the first play of that blowout by the New York Giants, and says it’s a “horrible feeling” knowing he won’t be able to help corral Peterson.

Peterson leads the NFL with 1,236 yards rushing. He’s averaging a whopping 5.8 yards per carry, about a yard better than almost every other top running back. He’s run for 100 yards in five straight games, matching Robert Smith’s franchise record.