The ideal situation for the Green Bay Packers going into Week 18 would be to have already clinched a berth in the NFL Playoffs. However, frustrating losses early in the season to the Atlanta Falcons, Las Vegas Raiders, and Minnesota Vikings (among others) have prevented that from being a reality. Still, Green Bay is in an enviable position: win on Sunday against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field and they are in.
Additionally, the Packers do not need any further help from other teams. It is a simple “win and you’re in” scenario. Furthermore, Green Bay is returning several key offensive weapons to practice after a series of injuries left them short-handed for most of the second half of the season.
Christian Watson, who has missed seven games with two different hamstring injuries, said he is on pace to play on Sunday. Rookie wide receivers Dontayvion Wicks and Jayden Reed also have been practicing this week. Wicks missed the win over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, and Reed missed the Carolina game plus the second half of the Vikings game.
One of the biggest surprises, though, has been the increased ability to practice of rookie tight end Luke Musgrave, who has been sideline with a lacerated kidney since November 19. On Thursday, he revealed to reporters what he thinks his status will be come Sunday.
Green Bay Packers Rookie Tight End Luke Musgrave Expects to Play vs the Chicago Bears
Speaking with reporters at his locker following practice on Thursday, Musgrave said the following according to USA Today’s Ryan Wood:
Luke Musgrave makes it clear: He wants to play this week. Feels like he can play this week.
“I can play,” Musgrave said.
He said #Packers are taking it “day by day,” but that’s certainly promising as the rookie TE tries to return from lacerated kidney.
— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) January 4, 2024
Musgrave’s sentiments were echoed by head coach Matt LaFleur:
Matt LaFleur says there’s a “realistic” possibility Luke Musgrave could be activated off injured reserve in time to play Sunday against the Bears. That’s a hell of a thought, having Musgrave and Tucker Kraft available again.
— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) January 4, 2024
Musgrave has been on injured reserve for the last six weeks due to the lacerated kidney he suffered against the Los Angeles Chargers. Coming back and playing in the regular season finale could mean that he will make franchise history against Chicago.
Luke Musgrave Could Break the Green Bay Packers Record for Catches by a Rookie Tight End
Last week, Jayden Reed broke the Packers’ franchise record for receptions by a rookie. Now with 60, Reed smashed Sterling Sharpe’s record of 55 that he set back in 1988.
Prior to his injury, it looked like Musgrave also had a chance to break Sharpe’s record. Indeed, he was on pace to finish the year with 58 receptions when he went down.
Even though he does not have a shot at Sharpe anymore this year, Musgrave still could make Packers history. His 33 receptions are just one shy of Bubba Franks’ rookie record for receptions by a tight end, which he set back in 2000.
Interestingly, because Musgrave has been out, fellow rookie tight end Tucker Kraft has seen his usage in the passing game increase. Now with 28 receptions, Kraft finds himself five shy of tying Franks’ record.
Kraft had a career-high six receptions against Minnesota. Green Bay theoretically could have both of their rookie tight ends break the record on Sunday.
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