He’s not officially back on the 53-man roster, but Green Bay Packers receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling took the first big step to returning on Monday.
The Packers officially designated Valdes-Scantling for return from injured reserve, and he practiced in some capacity on Monday. The team now has a three-week window to activate him back to the roster, although his return could come as soon as Sunday in Kansas City.
Coach Matt LaFleur said Monday that Valdes-Scantling is “coming along” but also cautioned against returning a player too soon from a hamstring injury. After last Thursday’s win over the Cardinals, LaFleur said Valdes-Scantling was close to returning and itching to get back onto the field.
The Packers’ fourth-year receiver has missed the last five games. He originally hurt his hamstring during the team’s Week 3 win in San Francisco. Knowing Valdes-Scantling is a vertical threat dependent on speed, the Packers held him out of action for as long as needed to reduce the risk of re-injury.
During the first three games, Valdes-Scantling caught six passes for 76 yards and a touchdown. He was the team’s most targeted player on passes over 20 yards when he went on injured reserve, highlighting his impact as a deep threat. On many occasions, LaFleur has described the value of Valdes-Scantling’s ability to stretch the field and open up areas for others in the offense, which isn’t necessarily reflected in the box score.
The Packers also returned receiver Allen Lazard on Monday. He had been on the COVID-19 reserve list since last Wednesday after being deemed a high risk close contact.
It’s unclear when the Packers will get Davante Adams back from the COVID-19 reserve list, but LaFleur expressed hope that his team would return Adams and defensive coordinator Joe Barry by Thursday, or 10 days since the pair entered the league’s COVID-19 protocols.
The Packers play the Chiefs on Sunday. There’s an increasingly good chance of the team’s top three receivers being available to play.
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