It seems like the Packers injury luck is starting to turn the corner. The Packers returned to the practice field Wednesday afternoon. Amongst those who took the field were Wide Receivers Jayden Reed and Dontayvions Wicks, who have been out since late July. C Elgton Jenkins and LG Aaron Banks, who both missed practice time last week, returned as well. With training camp in the rearview mirror and the Detroit Lions fast approaching in 10 days, the Packers need to capitalize on the next week and a half to make up for lost time.
Injuries during training camp are a double edge sword because it is better for a player to miss practice than a regular season game but the bulk of the season’s practices occur in training camp. As a result, Wicks and Reed missed the majority of practice reps. Aaron Banks, who enters his first season in Green Bay, and Elgton Jenkins, who slides over to center from left guard, were in and out of training camp practices as well. These two starters along the offensive line missed valuable reps and the opportunity to develop chemistry.
Overall, it is encouraging to see these four players return this week. All four practiced Wednesday and again this morning. It sounds like Green Bay expects to practice tomorrow before the Labor Day weekend as well as their normal three day practice routine next week before the Week 1 Opener. That means these four players will hopefully get six days of practice, in some capacity, together and with the rest of the starters before the Lions game.
The Packers Extent of Their Injuries
The good news continues for Green Bay, as Jordan Love was considered to be a full participant Wednesday afternoon, according to Matt LaFleur. Love did take snaps, both in shotgun and under center, but he continued to favor his right hand when handing the ball off. The extent of Dontayvion Wicks calf injury is unknown at this time. Additionally, the severity of the injuries to Aaron Banks and Elgton Jenkins, both were reportedly dealing with a bank issue, are also unknown. Hopefully, these three injuries are healed and are no longer a concern. Xavier McKinney, who returned from a calf injury last week, continues to practice.
Although Jayden Reed, returned to the practice field, it is not all sunshine and roses for him. Per Jason Wilde, Reed is dealing with a “jones fracture” in his foot. This is an injury that typically requires surgery and months to fully recover. However, Reed has opted out of that option and plans to rely on rest and treatment. It does not seem like this is an injury that will go away and might be something that hinders him all season long. The choice to play through this injury is admirable.
The last key piece of the injury puzzle to solve is CB Nate Hobbs. Hobbs is coming off surgery to repair a meniscus injury. Hobbs has not returned to practice this week. His physical play style will be needed against the Dan Campbell led Lions. His return is uncertain but there is hope that he can play against the Lions next week.
The goal for Green Bay over the next 10 days should be to become as synced as possible now that these four injured starters have returned to practice. With a divisional game and a game on a short week, against a team destined to compete for playoff seeding with the Packers, to the start the season, the Packers do not have time to waste.
