Injuries have influenced the NFL landscape in 2024, and the Green Bay Packers are no exception. Jordan Love, the team’s starting quarterback, suffered an MCL sprain in the Packers’ season opener. Love returned to the field for the team’s Week 4 game against the Minnesota Vikings. However, top cornerback Jaire Alexander was forced to leave the game due to a quad injury, while Packers third-year wideout Christian Watson was taken off the field during the game with a sprained ankle.
Alexander was able to return to practice on Thursday, according to Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on X (previously Twitter). Watson, Luke Musgrave, and Devonte Wyatt remained sidelined. Elgton Jenkins and Kenny Clark joined Alexander in returning to the practice field, according to Packers source Bill Huber. Romeo Doubs did not take part in the team’s Thursday practice owing to personal circumstances.
Green Bay missed Alexander’s excellent pass coverage in last Sunday’s game against the Vikings. Minnesota quarterback Sam Darnold, an early Comeback Player of the Year candidate, threw 20/28 for 275 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception in the Vikings’ 31-29 win over the Packers. Justin Jefferson caught six catches for 85 yards and a touchdown.
Packers wideout Christian Watson was carted off after an ankle injury in Week 4
Watson was hurt early in the game while attempting his sole target, which the Vikings intercepted. The receiver’s left leg was awkwardly bent behind him, resulting in a high-ankle sprain that first appeared severe. The wideout had to be taken to the locker room and was eventually ruled out for the rest of the game. Fortunately, Watson appears to avoid a trip to the injured reserve because his ankle injury isn’t as severe as initially believed. He will, however, miss some time with the Packers.
Devonte Wyatt, a defensive tackle, and Luke Musgrave, a tight end, have also had ankle injuries. Both players missed Thursday’s practice.
Following their loss to Minnesota, the Packers fell to 2-2 on the season. Green Bay will travel to Los Angeles to face the Rams on Sunday. LA has been decimated by injuries, having already lost its top two receivers, Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua.
The Rams are 1-3 entering their Week 5 game against Green Bay. Love will return to the starting lineup for the Packers after suffering no complications from his knee injury in Week 4.
