After a lacerated kidney a month ago, Green Bay Packers tight end Luke Musgrave was activated off injured reserve on Thursday. The 53-man roster will not include Musgrave during his 21-day practice window. Players normally have three weeks to return to the roster or injured reserve for the season.
The Packers (6-8) have lost two straight to fall out of the seven-team playoff chase, thus the season may end before 21 days.
I hope to see him. Despite not knowing when, coach Matt LaFleur was cautiously optimistic about Musgrave’s comeback.
Injury and fitness setbacks will hinder Musgrave’s rehabilitation. Not practicing with tight ends on Thursday.
It was nice seeing Musgrave, LaFleur said. Ball-catching and running with trainers. He’s improved.”
This year’s second-round pick Musgrave caught 33 passes for 341 yards and one touchdown in 10 games.
Bubba Franks set the Packers rookie tight end record with 363 yards on 34 receptions. Musgrave would have erased those marks if not injured against the Chargers on Nov. 19.
He was on track to finish the season with 56 receptions for 617 yards based on his weekly performance. In Packers tight end history, Finley (61) and Rodgers (58) would have placed third and 10th.
After two of his most impact plays, 51 yards against the Rams and 64 yards against the Steelers, Musgrave’s potential was fascinating.
Tight ends coach John Dunn said Musgrave was involved during his absence.
Like these guys, Luke likes football. I love football, he said this week. He wouldn’t like that, but you have to step back and maybe look at the game differently since you’re not playing. Seeing, watching, and analyzing things differently, I believe for him. Excellent kid.”
A player may ignore the weekly game-plan method when not playing. Dunn said Musgrave didn’t.
“It goes back to character,” he said. This game has numerous moving pieces, so you must be mentally and physically committed. Regaining mental relaxation takes time. I forgot about that minor tidbit. You must participate.”
Banging the podium, Dunn said, “The men in that room are the right men because of who they are.” They approach things mentally, so their actions make sense.
Five players skipped Musgrave practice. Christian Watson (hamstring), Jayden Reed (toe), Darnell Savage (shoulder), and De’Vondre Campbell (linebacker) missed another day. Caleb Jones, offensive tackle, did not practice due to injury.
