The Green Bay Packers returned to the practice field Wednesday afternoon following a “mini bye week”. The Packers are coming off a loss in Detroit against the Lions last Thursday. In that game, Green Bay suffered a concerning numbers of injuries. However, on Wednesday, it appears the extra days of rest were a big benefit for the Packers. Safety Javon Bullard was the only player on 53 man roster who did not practice.
The Packers were without CB Jaire Alexander, WR Romeo Doubs, LB Edgerrin Cooper, and CB Corey Ballentine in Detroit. All four returned to the practice field on Wednesday. Alexander has been recovering from a torn PCL since the Jaguars game in Week 8. He missed the Week 9 battle against the Lions, then returned after the bye week against the Chicago Bears where he reaggravated the injury after 10 snaps and has not played since. The Packers and Jaire Alexander received the best news yet when the injury report indicated that he was a “full participant” in practice. Evan Williams, who left the Lions game with a concussion, practiced on a limited basis. Williams remains in concussion protocol.
The Packers are deep at the WR position but Romeo Doubs brings a special element to the team. Doubs seems to be Love’s most trustworthy wide receiver whose skill set is different than Watson or Reed. Doubs has been on the shelf since suffering a concussion against the 49ers. Along with Alexander, Romeo Doubs was a full participant at practice. However, Matt LaFleur told the media that Doubs is still in concussion protocol. Since Doubs was a full participant on Wednesday, he appears to be in the final stages of clearing the NFL’s mandated concussion protocol.
Packers TE Luke Musgrave Officially Returns to Practice
The Packers second year TE Luke Musgrave was placed on IR after the Packers Week 5 win against the Rams. Musgrave had surgery on his left ankle to repair a torn ligament and has not returned since. On Wednesday, Musgrave officially returned to the practice field. Green Bay officially opened Musgrave’s 21 day window to return from IR this season. However, it is unlikely Musgrave plays this week against the Seahawks.
Musgrave’s eventual return adds a missing element to the Packers offense. Green Bay is blessed with two versatile tight ends. Tucker Kraft can block, catch the ball, run after the catch, etc. There is not much Kraft cannot do. However, Luke Musgrave’s athleticism is unique. Musgrave’s speed and ability to attack the seam is rare. When Green Bay runs 12 personal, which is a two tight end set, Kraft, Musgrave, Jacobs, and two wide receivers create a lot of concern for opposing defenses. All five options are a threat.
It is still early and the Packers do have two more practices this week so the injury statuses are still uncertain. However, it appears a few key pieces are approaching a return. With four regular season games remaining and the playoffs right around the corner, a healthy Packers team is awfully exciting. Fingers crossed the injury news continues down this positive path for the Packers!
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