The Green Bay Packers made a surprising roster move earlier today by poaching tight end John FitzPatrick off the Atlanta Falcons’ practice squad. This move comes as a surprise since the Packers have already reached the 53-man roster limit and must make a corresponding roster move to add FitzPatrick to the active roster. Finally, this transaction could indicate that their former 2nd-round pick’s injury is worse than expected.
The Green Bay Packers TE is nursing an ankle injury
Luke Musgrave popped on last week’s injury report because of an ankle injury. Musgrave did not participate in the week of practice, and the team listed him as questionable for their Week 5 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. Despite being active, Musgrave did not participate in last week’s game but would have played in an emergency.
Musgrave participated in Wednesday’s practice as a limited participant and must have aggravated his ankle injury because he did not participate in Thursday’s practice. There is a concern his injury is worse than expected.
He is expected to miss time
Matt LaFleur told the media on Thursday that Luke Musgrave’s injury is worse than expected, and he could miss some time. “He’s been dealing with something and fighting through,” LaFleur said, via Wes Hodkiewicz of the team’s website. “He’s gonna be down for some time.”
According to Bill Huber of Sports Illustrated, LaFleur also said that Musgrave “more than likely” gets placed on injured reserve. Although he is expected to miss an extended period, there is hope he will return later in the season.
Musgrave “more than likely” headed to IR. Been trying to fight through an ankle injury, which speaks to his toughness, LaFleur says.
— Bill Huber (@BillHuberNFL) October 10, 2024
A look at the Green Bay Packers tight end room
Once Luke Musgrave gets placed on injured reserve, the Green Bay Packers will have three tight ends on their active roster. Future star Tucker Kraft will receive most of the playing time as the starter and will have most of their targets at the position. Ben Sims’s role will also increase, and he gets to serve as Kraft’s backup and will be involved in running plays. Finally, John FitzPatrick, another run blocker, will serve as their third tight end.