The Green Bay Packers are getting healthier ahead of the Wild Card round against the Dallas Cowboys. However, head coach Matt LaFleur admits it also presents its own challenges.
LaFleur called it a “good problem.” After all, they really need all the healthy bodies they can get in what they hope will be a deep playoff run for the Packers. The issue, however, is that as their injured players slowly return to practice, the team will also have to figure out how to reinsert them back into the lineup and utilize them to help the squad win.
“You can never have enough good players. Certainly, I think not having them for quite some time, it creates some challenges in how do you insert them into the lineup and what exactly are you going to do with them, but that’s a good problem to have to figure out,” LaFleur explained, via Sports Illustrated.
The Packers received some good news on Wednesday with the return of a number of key players, such as cornerback Jaire Alexander, wide receiver Romeo Doubs, linebacker Isaiah McDuffie and wideout Christian Watson. All were limited participants during their latest practice.
It is important to note that both Watson and McDuffie were both inactive during their Week 18 win over the Chicago Bears last Sunday. Meanwhile, Doubs’ status was a major concern because of the chest injury he sustained and caused him to be hospitalized.
With that said, it’s really encouraging to see them back in action. However, as Matt LaFleur noted, the challenge for the Green Bay Packers is how to get them ready and seamlessly fit their plan for the playoffs, especially with their limited participation.
Time is the Packers’ biggest opponent. With just a few days before they take on the Dallas Cowboys, it is important for them to really get fully healthy and get everyone on the same page for the contest.
LaFleur certainly welcomes the challenge, especially since that is a better situation than having players out. Hopefully, though, the team can figure things out fast.
Green Bay Packers’ Injury Report
On the Green Bay Packers’ injury report for Wednesday, only running back AJ Dillon was not able to participate because of a thumb and neck injury.
Aside from Alexander, Doubs, McDuffie and Watson, guard Elgton Jenkins, running back Aaron Jones, safety Jonathan Owens, defensive tackle TJ Slaton and outside linebacker Preston Smith were all limited participants.
On the other hand, linebackers De’Vondre Campbell and Quay Walker, tight end Luke Musgrave, center Josh Myers, wideout Jayden Reed, guard Sean Rhyan, safety Darnell Savage, offensive tackle Zach Tom and running back Emanuel Wilson were able to participate fully.
The hope is all members of the Packers are fully healthy before Sunday’s NFL playoffs. It’s a problem that Matt LaFleur is more than willing to handle.
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