[jwplayer 6Q40ShvH-ThvAeFxT]
The Green Bay Packers returned to work after a week off with a roster at full strength, at least participation-wise.
According to Mike Spofford of the team’s official site, the Packers had all 53 players on the active roster available for practice on Monday.
It’s Nov. 18. The Packers have played 10 games and are preparing for Week 12. Coach Matt LaFleur understands how fortunate he is to have a full roster this deep into a season.
“I think it’s great,” LaFleur said Monday. “I think it speaks to the support we have around this organization, in terms of helping keep our guys healthy. It speaks to our players, taking care of their bodies. And with anything like that, there’s some luck that’s involved there too. We’re in pretty good shape right now.”
The Packers have six players on injured reserve, but there isn’t an irreplaceable player on the list. Starting left guard Lane Taylor began the season on injured reserve, but rookie Elgton Jenkins has likely upgraded the position. Raven Greene’s absence left a hole at dime linebacker, and Equanimeous St. Brown was likely headed for a role in the receiving group, but both would have been role players.
Before Week 10, the Packers listed only two players – cornerback Jaire Alexander and safety Adrian Amos – as questionable, and both played. And while linebacker Ty Summers and kick returner Tremon Smith both exited the win over the Panthers with head injuries, both players were available for practice Monday.
The time off in Week 11 off likely gave several dinged-up players and all the veteran players a chance to get closer to 100 percent and recharge the batteries after a tough, 10-game open to the season.
Now, the Packers will go into the stretch run of the season – beginning Sunday night in San Francisco – with a healthy, rested roster.
“It’s great,” defensive lineman Kenny Clark said Monday. “We’re healthy right now. Everyone is moving good, feeling good, energized. Just ready to go. We’re gonna need everybody to make this last push.”
LaFleur and the Packers will release their first injury report of Week 12 on Wednesday. It might still have a bunch of names, but as of Monday, no player appears to be in danger of missing the primetime showdown with the 49ers.
[lawrence-related id=35088,35081,35068,35060]