The Green Bay Packers activated tight end Luke Musgrave from injured reserve on Saturday, clearing the way for the rookie to take the field for first time since suffering a kidney injury on Nov. 19 against the Los Angeles Chargers.
The Packers face the Chicago Bears in the regular season finale on Sunday at Lambeau Field.
Musgrave and running back Emanuel Wilson were both activated from injured reserve. The corresponding roster moves were placing safety Rudy Ford on injured reserve and releasing cornerback David Long.
Musgrave, the team’s second-round pick, missed the last six games. His kidney injury required a hospital stay, and the team wasn’t certain he would be able to return to the field during the regular season. He practiced over the last two weeks and proved he was physically ready to return.
In the Packers’ first 10 games, Musgrave caught 33 passes for 341 yards and a touchdown.
He was heating up before the injury. In games against the Chargers, Pittsburgh Steelers and Los Angeles Rams, Musgrave had nine catches for 143 yards and a score.
With Musgrave back, the Packers can lean more on two tight end sets featuring Musgrave and Tucker Kraft, who emerged as both a blocker and receiver over the last six weeks.
It’s unclear how many snaps Musgrave will play Sunday. He is likely to be eased back into action after a serious internal injury, so Kraft is still likely to take most of the snaps at tight end. Musgrave can add speed and a vertical threat up the seam in the passing game even if his snaps are limited.
In the first meeting with the Bears, Musgrave caught three passes for 50 yards, including a 37-yarder on a busted coverage that eventually set up a touchdown.
The Packers also elevated rookie receiver Grant DuBose from the practice squad for Week 18.