The Green Bay Packers have listed 11 players on their injury reports this week. In an unexpected twist for the banged-up team, it appears all of them practiced on Friday.
Reporters only get to watch the pre-practice stretch on Friday. Every player on the roster participated alongside their helmets, typically a good sign the player will practice. When the team ran outside to Clarke Hinkle Field for the start of practice, cornerback Jaire Alexander (back) ran out the door. Tight end Luke Musgrave (ankle) ran to the side of the Hutson Center, grabbed a different pair of shoes and went outside, as well.
The only player who did not go out was running back Aaron Jones. He stayed inside with a trainer for some additional stretching, though that’s how he’s handled the last few Friday practices as he recovers from a hamstring injury.
The two noteworthy developments on Friday were Alexander and Musgrave heading out to practice.
Last week, Alexander did not practice on Friday and was inactive for Sunday’s loss at the Denver Broncos. This week, he did not practice on Thursday. That seemingly was a bad sign for a player who has missed three of the last four games, but his participation on Friday would seem to be a positive step toward him playing against Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins, who is second in the NFL in touchdown passes.
Musgrave landed awkwardly on his ankle following an illegal hit by Broncos safety Kareem Jackson last week. He did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday this week.
Just how much Alexander and Musgrave did on the practice field isn’t clear. Coach Matt LaFleur will shed some light on their availability when he releases the injury report after practice.
Alexander, Musgrave and outside linebacker Preston Smith were the three players who did not practice on Thursday. Smith was back after missing a day due to illness.
Linebacker De’Vondre Campbell, who missed the last three games with an ankle injury, practiced all three days this week so seems ready to return.
Defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt, who aggravated a knee injury against Denver and missed most of the game, practiced all week, as well. So did three other starters: Jones, left guard Elgton Jenkins (knee) and center Josh Myers (ankle).
Receiver Christian Watson, who missed the last-play interception vs. the Broncos with a knee injury, was full participation on Wednesday and Thursday and practiced again on Friday.
This story will be updated with the final injury reports and comments from LaFleur.
