With an 8-8 record, Jordan Love and the Green Bay Packers still have a shot at claiming the final wild-card playoff spot in the NFC, something that seemed nearly unthinkable several weeks ago.
They’re currently in seventh place in the conference, and they will host the Chicago Bears, a team that is 7-9 and out of playoff contention, on Sunday. If they win, they’re in.
Quarterback Jordan Love, who is in his first season as a starter after Green Bay traded future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers last offseason, has been showing signs lately that he is worthy of holding the baton. However, the team has a long injury list, and one name on that list is tight end Luke Musgrave.
Reportedly, head coach Matt LaFleur feels Musgrave could return for Sunday’s game against the Packers’ hated rivals.
“Tight end Luke Musgrave has been out since Week 11, having suffered a lacerated kidney,” wrote Myles Simmons. “But via multiple reporters, head coach Matt LaFleur said on Thursday that it’s “realistic” Musgrave could play in Sunday’s game.”
Musgrave, who was a second-round draft pick last April out of Oregon State University, has had a decent rookie year with 33 catches for 341 yards and one touchdown. He is part of a cadre of young receivers who the Packers have been looking to develop for the immediate future.
Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon, their tag team duo at running back, have been banged up lately. In addition, wide receiver Christian Watson, who leads them in receiving yards per game, has missed their last four games. He has a hamstring ailment, but he too could return on Sunday versus Chicago.
The Packers beat Chicago at Soldier Field in Week 1 by the final score of 38-20 to open their season. Love threw for 245 yards and three touchdowns in that game, and he helped Musgrave tally 50 receiving yards in his first NFL game.
This time around, the Bears have nothing to play for, other than possibly playing the role of spoiler against one of the teams their fans dislike the most.
