Packers Star Back To Practice

admin | December 22, 2023 | Other Clubs | No Comments

The Green Bay Packers have cleared the way for Luke Musgrave to be activated from injured reserve, as the rookie tight end practiced for the first time since sustaining a lacerated kidney against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 11.

Musgrave did not participate in team exercises, but simply getting back out there was a step toward returning to action. The Packers now have a 21-day window to decide if Musgrave is fit enough to play after being activated from injured reserve or whether he should be placed on season-ending injured reserve.

Matt LaFleur, the head coach of the Green Bay Packers, is encouraged that Musgrave was able to take this step.

“It was great,” LaFleur said to reporters. “He was running around and catching balls with the trainers.” He’s making strides.”

LaFleur said that he was “cautiously optimistic” Musgrave would return to the field this season.

Prior to the injury that placed Musgrave in the hospital, the Packers’ second-round draft pick in 2023 caught 33 passes for 341 yards and one touchdown in 10 games.

The earliest Musgrave could be activated off the 53-man roster and play would appear to be Week 17 against the Minnesota Vikings.

Packers TE Coach Praises Luke Musgrave’s Work Ethic

Just because Musgrave was unable to practice doesn’t mean he wasn’t involved during his stint on injured reserve.

Musgrave’s position coach, John Dunn, stated that despite his four-week absence, he was an active participant in team meetings and video study.

“Luke, and like all of these guys, our personnel guys did a great job, they love football,” Dunn said to reporters on December 20. “I mean, I adore football.” You wouldn’t have it this way for him, to speak for him, but you do get to take a step back and maybe look at the game a little differently now that you’re not playing. I believe that for him, being able to see it, watch it, study it, and see it through a different lens is more important than simply talking to him. He’s a wonderful young man.”

With three games remaining, the Packers (6-8) start Week 16 on the outside looking in at the NFC playoffs, one game behind the Vikings (7-7) in the wild card race.

Getting Musgrave back on the field and into the supporting cast of emerging quarterback Jordan Love would help Green Bay’s postseason aspirations.

Tucker Kraft Emerges in Luke Musgrave’s Absence

Tucker Kraft, another rookie tight end, has made the most of an enlarged role in the Packers’ passing game since Musgrave’s injury.

Kraft has 18 receptions for 216 yards and two scores through the first 14 games of the 2023 season. Kraft, on the other hand, has really emerged since Musgrave’s injury.

Kraft has caught 15 catches for 205 yards and two touchdowns in the last five weeks. Meanwhile, according to Pro Football Focus, Love has a remarkable 134.8 passer rating when targeting the third-round rookie.

If Musgrave is able to return this season, Love and the Packers’ offense will have a dynamic and potent tight end duo down the stretch.