Packers tight end Luke Musgrave, almost two months after he lacerated his kidney against the Chargers, is finally off of injured reserve.
Green Bay general manager Brian Gutekunst announced several roster moves Saturday, a day before the Packers fight for a playoff berth against the Bears.
Green Bay also moved running back Emanuel Wilson off of IR. That’s key, considering that Packers running back AJ Dillon isn’t going to play in the regular-season finale because of a stinger. Meanwhile, the team added safety Rudy Ford to IR. The Packers promoted receiver Grant DuBose from the practice squad to the game day roster. The team also released cornerback David Long Jr.
The Packers do have a clear assignment against Chicago at Lambeau Field. Beat the Bears and extend their season. The Lions already have won the NFC North. So that;s not in play for Green Bay. But the Packers qualify for a wild card spot with a win over the arch-rival Bears. They also faced a similar situation last January and lost their season finale to the Lions at chilly Lambeau Field. That ended up being Aaron Rodgers final time in a Packers uniform. Jordan Love now is in charge of the Green Bay offense.
Meanwhile, the Bears’ season is over no matter the outcome. Because of last year’s trade with the Panthers, Chicago already owns the top choice in April’s NFL Draft.
Now, back to Musgrave. Back in November, the rookie lacerated his kidney during a catch against the Chargers. But he kept playing.
“I think it speaks to his toughness,” said Packers coach Matt LaFleur. “He didn’t say anything all game but then something came up and he called Flea (head athletic trainer Bryan Engel). He’s been in the hospital. It’s been pretty significant. This kid is as tough as they come. …
“He’s a guy that — I think he’s going to be a very dynamic player in time in this league. He continues to get better every time he goes out there, so obviously a significant blow for us offensively, but just like we always talk about, it’s going to be opportunities for these other guys.”
Musgrave told reporters that he knew something was wrong when he got home after the game and his lower back was really bothering him. He also saw blood in his urine. That’s when he called the athletic trainer.
“I knew something was probably wrong, but it’s kind of football,” said the Packers rookie. “You play through pain and then it usually hurts more after the game.”
It’s unclear whether Musgrave will play against the Bears. His status is questionable. The Packers injury report said he was limited in all three practices during the week. Before the injury, he’d caught 33 passes.
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