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With no game this week, Tuesday was the final time that we’ll hear from Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur before Green Bay starts preparing for the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 6. Today, LaFleur touched on a couple of key injuries that the Packers are dealing with going into the bye.
On the topic of defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt, who dropped out of his second game in a row with a knee injury, LaFleur stated that Wyatt’s issue will be “week to week.” With Wyatt out, undrafted rookie Nazir Stackhouse had to be inserted into the rotation against the Dallas Cowboys. The results were very poor. Hopefully, Wyatt can come back sooner rather than later.
LaFleur was also asked about the status of receiver Christian Watson, who, like other members of the injury lists, is eligible to return beginning in Week 6. The other players who could come back as soon as the Packers’ next contest are running back MarShawn Lloyd, offensive lineman Jacob Monk, offensive lineman John Williams and defensive end Collin Oliver.
The Packers are allowed to open a 20-day practice window with these players before having to make the decision of either activating them to the 53-man roster or allowing them to hit season-ending injured reserve. Essentially, Green Bay can get these players to practice, but not play in games, for three weeks without them officially counting against their roster numbers.
When asked about Watson, LaFleur stated that opening the receiver’s practice window has “been in discussion.” According to The Athletic’s Matt Schneidman, Watson expects to practice next Monday, when the healthy players will report back to the facility following their bye week vacations.
Lastly, LaFleur said that kicker Brandon McManus, who made a pair of tackles on the kickoff unit on Sunday, was not injured during the game.
