The Green Bay Packers have opened the door for three different players to return from injured reserve and help Matt LaFleur’s team during the Super Bowl run.
The Packers designated three players for return from injured reserve on Wednesday: linebacker James Burgess and cornerbacks Kabion Ento and Parry Nickerson.
All three players practiced with the Packers on Wednesday. They now have a 21-day window to be activated to the 53-man roster or revert back to injured reserve. Super Bowl LV is in 17 days, so if the Packers beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, they’d have the full window to figure out if any of the three players can contribute in the Super Bowl.
To play Sunday in the NFC Championship Game, Burgess, Ento and Nickerson would need the Packers to clear the necessary number of roster spots, especially if veteran cornerback Tramon Williams takes the place of Jared Veldheer, who is on the COVID-19 reserve list.
Ento injured his foot during training camp and needed surgery. The Packers had him on their initial 53-man roster before placing him on injured reserve, providing an opportunity to eventually return. He was in the running for a backup cornerback spot this summer.
Nickerson injured his hamstring after playing three snaps against the Buccaneers in October. He was signed after stints with the New York Jets and Jacksonville Jaguars.
Burgess was signed off the Atlanta Falcons practice squad in October. He was placed on injured reserve in November after appearing in four games for the Packers as a special teams player. Of the three, Burgess might have the best chance of returning and contributing.
The notable name not designated for return from injured reserve was running back and returner Tyler Ervin. LaFleur said the Packers are monitoring his situation but he wasn’t ready to return yet.
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