GREEN BAY, Wis. – On Wednesday, three players returned to practice for the Green Bay Packers as they prepared for Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Rams.
Cornerback Carrington Valentine, who had been sidelined for two weeks due to an ankle injury and was missed in the loss to the Minnesota Vikings, was back on the field. He participated in a limited capacity on Wednesday and Thursday last week but missed Friday’s practice and was inactive.
“Carrington Valentine and Jordan Morgan are back. No Christian Watson, Jaire Alexander, Elgton Jenkins, Luke Musgrave, or Devonte Wyatt. Kenny Clark went through stretch but isn’t out here as we head for the exits,” reported Bill Huber.
First-round pick Jordan Morgan, who rotated with Sean Rhyan at right guard in the first two games but missed the last two with a shoulder injury, also returned to practice. This week may serve as a ramp-up period for Morgan.
Both players had limited participation.
“That’d be huge” if Valentine could return, said coach Matt LaFleur. “Just for our overall depth, but I do think CV’s got a high ceiling, and we’re all excited about just the progress we saw him make throughout the course of the offseason. I know he missed most of the preseason and obviously going out here, that’s not ideal. But I think he was playing some good ball, and we can’t wait to get him back.”
Additionally, defensive tackle Jonathan Ford, who suffered a calf injury during the preseason finale, has been designated for return from injured reserve. Ford, a seventh-round pick in 2022, spent his first two seasons on the practice squad.
Six players did not practice:
– Receiver Christian Watson, who injured his ankle in the first half against the Vikings. NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported it was a “mild” high-ankle sprain and Watson is “unlikely” to be placed on injured reserve. LaFleur confirmed Watson would avoid IR, noting, “Just talking to him today, I think we got lucky.”
– Cornerback Jaire Alexander, inactive due to quad and groin injuries against the Vikings.
– Left guard Elgton Jenkins was absent because of a knee injury. When asked how he felt, he said, “Good.”
– Tight end Luke Musgrave has caught five passes for just 22 yards, with a long of 6. After a promising rookie season, Musgrave has been a disappointment this season, playing only 108 snaps compared to Tucker Kraft’s 227.
– Defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt, one of only three NFL players with a tackle for loss in each of the first four games, suffered an ankle injury late in the game on Sunday. Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley commented, “I think he’s taken big steps from Week 1 to Week 3, as I would hope he would with the rest of our defense as they get comfortable. He makes it hard for the O-line. Really hard.”
If Wyatt is unable to play this week, Colby Wooden may see his first defensive snaps of the season.
– Veteran defensive tackle Kenny Clark participated in prepractice stretching but did not practice. He had limited participation last week due to a toe injury.
While the Packers are dealing with injuries, the Rams have faced their own challenges this season. Star receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua will also be unavailable this week.
Packers Wednesday Injury Report
Did not participate: CB Jaire Alexander (groin), LG Elgton Jenkins (knee), TE Luke Musgrave (ankle), WR Christian Watson (ankle), DT Devonte Wyatt (ankle), DT Kenny Clark (toe)
Limited: LB Edgerrin Cooper (hip), QB Jordan Love (knee), OL Jordan Morgan (shoulder), CB Carrington Valentine (ankle)
Rams Wednesday Injury Report
Did not participate: WR Cooper Kupp (ankle)
Limited: DE Larrell Murchison (forearm), CB Darious Williams (hamstring), WR Demarcus Robinson (hip)
More Green Bay Packers News
This upcoming matchup will mark the 100th game between the Packers and Rams. In their first meeting, Don Hutson scored three touchdowns. More details about the game, including TV coverage and ticket information, can be found on SI.
