It remains unclear if the Green Bay Packers will return receiver Allen Lazard and linebacker Christian Kirksey from injury for Sunday’s visit from the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Coach Matt LaFleur said Friday that both could be game-time decisions. He categorized Lazard as questionable, potentially foreshadowing an activation to the 53-man roster before Sunday, and he remains “optimistic” about Kirksey’s potential to play against the Jaguars.
Both players remain on injured reserve. The Packers would need to activate the pair on Saturday for either player to participate on Sunday.
The team initially placed both players on injured reserve on Oct. 3. Lazard is dealing with a core muscle injury, while Kirksey injured his pectoral muscle.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported the Packers are still trying to decide whether Lazard – who missed Friday’s practice – will play on Sunday.
#Packers WR Allen Lazard, who did not practice today as he tries to come back from core muscle surgery, is still dealing with soreness, I’m told. No setback. But sounds like the team will be cautious and this may not be week he returns. If not, expect him back next week.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 13, 2020
It’s possible both could be activated on Saturday, even if the Packers aren’t 100 percent sure if they can play on Sunday. Both Lazard and Kirksey have been practicing with the team for the last few weeks.
Lazard caught 13 passes for 257 yards and two touchdowns during the first three weeks. Kirksey, the team’s veteran addition at linebacker, led the defense in total tackles with 27 through three weeks.
Earlier Friday, the Packers ruled out fullback John Lovett, who could be headed for injured reserve with a significant knee injury, and cornerback Jaire Alexander was listed as doubtful.
[lawrence-related id=52975]
[listicle id=52953]