Packers HC Matt LaFleur sounds alarm on injury situation

The Green Bay Packers added two more pass-catchers to their injury list following Tuesday's practice, as a troubling trend continues in Wisconsin.

Per The Athletic's Matt Schneidman, head coach Matt LaFleur shook his head yes but said "no" when asked if he had considered cancelling the Packers' joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts on Thursday. The answer came moments after tight end Luke Musgrave and wide receiver Romeo Doubs were injured at practice.

LaFleur is concerned about the ailments that have affected his first-team offense and defense during training camp this summer.

“No, I don’t,” LaFleur responded to a question about whether he feels good about the Packers' health. “Right now, I don’t. We’re missing a lot of key players that are integral to our success as a football team. It is what it is. It’s an opportunity for some other guys, but we definitely had some injuries strike up at some positions where it’s made us pretty thin.”

On Tuesday, Green Bay revealed that quarterback Jordan Love was having surgery on his left thumb for an injury he suffered during Saturday's 30-10 loss to the New York Jets. He's expected to return next week and face the Detroit Lions in Week 1. 

The Packers also hope All-Pro safety Xavier McKinney (calf) can return alongside cornerback Nate Hobbs (meniscus) for Week 1. Per Schniedman, Hobbs was still limping in the locker room on Wednesday.

Green Bay was already missing Christian Watson at training camp, as the receiver rehabs from an ACL injury that occurred against the Chicago Bears in January. The Packers believe Watson will begin the season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list before returning sometime midseason.

LaFleur should be worried about having a substantial part of his roster missing the preseason. Fortunately, the injuries were dealt with early in August, and players like Hobbs and Love should be healthy for September.

The issue is that Green Bay doesn't need more injuries to accumulate in the preseason before an 18-week regular season, and potentially the playoffs.

LaFleur and Packers fans have a reason to hold their breath at joint practice this week.