GREEN BAY, Wis. — As the NFL season approaches its conclusion, the Green Bay Packers are experiencing a welcome return to health, in contrast to many other teams burdened with injuries. Quarterback Jordan Love has visibly improved after struggling with health issues early in the season, which included setbacks involving his left knee and groin.
Coach Matt LaFleur commented on the importance of player availability, stating, “Every team that aspires to reach its potential needs to be as healthy as possible. Injuries are a reality in this sport, but it is crucial to have your starting players on the field, especially as the season wraps up.” The Packers are indeed looking to capitalize on this timely recovery as they gear up for their upcoming game.
In his last four outings, Love has shown significant improvement, completing 67.1% of his passes for 904 yards, along with six touchdowns and just one interception, contributing to a passer rating of 118.8. His resurgence can be largely attributed to his newfound health. “Staying healthy is the key, particularly as the season reaches its latter stages. Injuries can accumulate and keep players sidelined,” Love noted. “Having our core players back and healthy is critical for our success.”
Heading into their Sunday night contest against the Seattle Seahawks, the Packers (9-4) have experienced minimal absence during practice, with only safety Javon Bullard unable to participate due to an ankle injury sustained in the team’s Dec. 5 game against Detroit, which LaFleur mentioned will take a week-to-week approach.
Promising news came in the form of Jaire Alexander’s return. He has been cleared to practice fully after spending nearly five weeks sidelined with a knee injury encountered during the game in Jacksonville on October 27. Additionally, wide receiver Romeo Doubs returns to practice following a concussion sustained on November 24.
Although Alexander has practiced in a limited capacity prior to this week and had to withdraw from the game on November 17 against Chicago, his availability against Seattle’s talented receiving corps, including DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, would notably enhance the Packers’ struggling pass defense that currently ranks 21st, allowing 222.2 yards per game. “He looked good while practicing, and we’ll assess his condition over the week,” LaFleur stated. “We’re hopeful he’ll be ready for the game.”
Both Doubs and rookie safety Evan Williams, who also left the Lions game due to a concussion, are still under concussion protocol. However, Williams managed to practice in a limited role. In a bit of exciting news, tight end Luke Musgrave has been named for a return from the injured reserve list after missing considerable time due to an ankle injury.
He participated in practice for the first time since his surgery in early October aimed at repairing a torn ligament. Musgrave, however, engaged only in individual drills, making his activation for the upcoming game remain uncertain. “I’m taking it slow to get back into things but I feel really good. I’m still refining my cutting, but overall it feels positive,” Musgrave expressed.
With a roster gradually regaining its strength, the Packers hope to build momentum as they head toward the season’s final stretch.
