Some good news and some bad news for the Green Bay Packers on Thursday: edge rusher Rashan Gary returned to practice, but receiver Allen Lazard remains out, per Wes Hodkiewicz of Packers.com.
Gary’s return, especially for a padded practice, is a good sign as he continues to progress through the NFL’s concussion protocol. With another practice available on Friday, he could now be cleared in plenty of time to play Sunday against the Buffalo Bills.
Having Gary (6.0 sacks, 28 pressures) available will be an important part of the Packers’ upset plans. He’s the team’s best pass-rusher, and the Packers defense probably can’t spring the upset without keeping MVP candidate Josh Allen under duress on Sunday night.
The outlook isn’t as good at wide receiver, where Lazard remains out and is now probably unlikely to play Sunday.
Coach Matt LaFleur passed on updating Lazard’s status before practice on Thursday, but all signs are pointing to the veteran receiver missing Sunday’s showdown in Buffalo. If he can’t go, the Packers will be without two preferred starters at wide receiver (Lazard, Randall Cobb), creating even more pressure on a position group that has performed below expectations so far in 2022.
The Packers did have rookie Christian Watson participating for a second consecutive practice on Thursday, so it’s possible he’ll be available to help replace some of Lazard’s snaps in Buffalo.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers (thumb) and offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins (knee) both returned to practice on Thursday, as expected. Cornerback Shemar Jean-Charles, a core special teamer, remained out.
The Packers will provide a final injury report on Friday that will include official injury designations for Week 8.
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