The Green Bay Packers have 10 pass-catchers on the active 53-man roster or designated to return from injured reserve. And Wednesday, for the first time all season, every one of them practiced. That includes wide receivers Christian Watson, who missed the last four games because of a hamstring injury, Jayden Reed, who left the Minnesota Vikings game early with a chest issue, and Dontayvion Wicks, who didn’t play in Minnesota because of another chest injury.
The active roster has six receivers: Watson, Reed, Wicks, Romeo Doubs, Malik Heath, and recently-promoted Bo Melton, who surpassed 100 receiving yards last Sunday being elevated from the practice squad.
Samori Toure was placed on the injured reserve to open a roster spot for Melton, and now he will miss at least four games — it would only be possible for him to return this season if the Packers reached the Super Bowl.
On the tight end front, Luke Musgrave practiced again. He is still on injured reserve, but has been designated to return and can be activated at any point — there’s a chance he comes back on Sunday after missing the last six games. The other three tight ends on the active roster are Tucker Kraft, Ben Sims, and Josiah Deguara.
The moment couldn’t be better to have everyone available. The Packers face a win and get in game against the Chicago Bears on Sunday, and the Bears’ defense has ascended over the second half of the season into one of the best in the league.
More positive updates
On the injury front, the Packers had another important return: linebacker De’Vondre Campbell, who missed the last two games with a neck injury, was back. Jaire Alexander practiced as well after his one-game suspension was lifted.
DNPs
Offensive guard Elgton Jenkins didn’t practice, but it’s probably just maintenance — he hasn’t practiced on Wednesdays over the last couple of weeks because of shoulder and knee issues.
Edge defender Preston Smith and safety Rudy Ford didn’t participate either. Another absence was linebacker Isaiah McDuffie, who left the Vikings game after suffering a hit to his head. However, he was riding a bike on the side, which is a positive update.
The Packers will have two more days of practice this week, and these will be important to determine who’s available or not on Sunday. The Packers face the Bears at Lambeau Field at 3:25pm CT.
