The Green Bay Packers emerged from their extended break in much better physical condition than they were at the end of Thursday night’s loss to the Detroit Lions.
In big news from Tuesday’s practice, two-time Pro Bowl left guard Elgton Jenkins was back on the field for the first time since suffering a sprained MCL during the first half of the Week 2 game against the Atlanta Falcons.
With Royce Newman playing for Jenkins, Green Bay’s offense couldn’t put away the game at Atlanta, struggled through three quarters against New Orleans and couldn’t win consistently against the Lions’ defensive front.
In equally big news considering Monday night’s game at the Las Vegas Raiders will feature a marquee matchup against former Packers receiver Davante Adams, cornerback Jaire Alexander took part in at least individual drills after missing the last two games with a back injury. It should be noted Alexander was listed as limited participation during the final two practices last week.
Tight end Luke Musgrave, who suffered a concussion on his one and only catch against Detroit, was back on the field, as well.
Cornerback Eric Stokes made his debut after suffering foot and knee injuries almost exactly 11 months ago at Detroit. Stokes remains on the physically unable to perform list, but his return to the practice field opens the 21-day window for Green Bay to add him to the 53-man roster.
Running back Aaron Jones and receiver Christian Watson, who returned from hamstring injuries to play limited roles in the loss to Detroit, went through practice, as well. Watson played 26 snaps in his season debut and Jones played 20 in his first action since exiting in the third quarter of the Week 1 game at Chicago.
“I’m hopeful for that,” coach Matt LaFleur said of Jones and Watson being available for their typical roles against the Raiders, “but absolutely, both those guys, we wanted to be careful with them, you know. That’s just the circumstances.”
Three starters – guard Jon Runyan, linebacker De’Vondre Campbell and safety Rudy Ford – did not practice.
LaFleur is not scheduled to speak to reporters until Thursday.
Packers Tuesday Injury Report
Note: The Packers will not have to release an official injury report until Thursday.
Did not practice: S Rudy Ford (unknown), S Zayne Anderson (hamstring), LB De’Vondre Campbell (ankle), RG Jon Runyan (ankle).
Practiced after not playing/dropping out on Thursday: CB Eric Stokes (foot), CB Jaire Alexander (back), LG Elgton Jenkins (knee), TE Luke Musgrave (concussion).
Also of note: RB Aaron Jones and WR Christian Watson, who had been sidelined by injuries but played limited reps against the Lions, apparently got through the game unscathed because they were back on the practice field.
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