Packers Rumors: Matt LaFleur drops hint about Luke Musgrave's injury status
Luke Musgrave injured his ankle during the Packers' Week 7 loss to the Broncos. The rookie tight end was seen in a walking boot after the game, but he appeared at Thursday's practice (as a non-participant) without the boot. That led to some optimism within the fanbase.
Jaire Alexander is not practicing today after being limited yesterday. Luke Musgrave is again not practicing, but he’s no longer in a walking boot. Preston Smith is not practicing because of an illness.
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) October 26, 2023
Aaron Jones and Josh Myers are both practicing after missing yesterday. pic.twitter.com/m4QnaqUNEI
Unfortunately for the Packers' fanbase, the signs aren't great for Musgrave. Head coach Matt LaFleur, when asked about Green Bay's other rookie tight end, Tucker Kraft, appeared to hint at Musgrave's status for Week 8 in rather straightforward terms.
"[Kraft is] going to have to play big for us this week," LaFleur said.
Matt LaFleur's answer about TE Tucker Kraft -- 'He's going to have to play big for us this week' -- would seem to indicate that Luke Musgrave's ankle injury will keep him out Sunday vs. Minnesota.
— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) October 26, 2023
Musgrave, a second-round pick, has been a valuable pressure relief valve for Jordan Love in the Packers' offense. He has 22 receptions for 189 receptions across seven starts. Kraft, a third-round pick, has operated mostly in the shadows, accumulating only two catches for five yards.
Green Bay's passing game has been in a world of hurt over the last couple weeks, so Green Bay can't afford a lengthy injury absence for one of Love's favorite targets. Kraft is a big, physical pass-catcher at 6-foot-5, so there's a chance the South Dakota State product delivers in his first start. But, it's hard to imagine LaFleur is thrilled about the circumstances — especially with a pivotal division matchup against Vikings on the schedule this Sunday.