In a long-awaited boost for their offense, the Green Bay Packers will welcome back promising rookie tight end Luke Musgrave for Monday Night Football against the New Orleans Saints. The highly-touted second round draft pick out of Oregon State has been sidelined since Week 4 after undergoing ankle surgery, but is now poised to make his return under the primetime lights of Lambeau Field.
Musgrave Set for Limited Role in MNF Return
While Packers fans will undoubtedly be thrilled to see the 6’6″, 253-pound Musgrave back in action, expectations should be tempered for his first game back. Head coach Matt LaFleur indicated the rookie will be on a limited snap count as he works his way back into game shape following the extended layoff.
Still, even in a reduced role, Musgrave’s athleticism and receiving skills could provide a much-needed spark to a Packers’ passing attack that has struggled with consistency at times this season. His 4.61 speed and ability to stretch the seam were on full display in the preseason and early weeks before the ill-timed injury struck in Minnesota.
Reuniting the Rookie TE Tandem
Perhaps most intriguing is the opportunity to finally see Musgrave reunited with fellow rookie tight end Tucker Kraft, the team’s third round selection. The two have only shared the field for a meager 125 snaps this season, a small sample of the potential LaFleur and his staff saw when investing premium draft capital in the duo.
“It’ll be great to get those guys out there again together. They’re both very talented players with different skill sets, which is cool, but they’re both tough kids you can use in the run and the pass game. It’s fun to have those guys.”
– Packers offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich
With veteran receivers like Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb often drawing extra attention, the young tight ends could find favorable matchups to exploit, especially over the middle of the field. It’s the kind of added dimension this offense has sorely lacked during Musgrave’s 10-game absence.
Cautious Optimism for Packers Offense
As enticing as Musgrave’s return may be, the Packers are wisely managing expectations, at least initially. Recovery from ankle surgery is no small matter, and the Saints boast a formidable defense that will be eager to welcome the first-year tight end back to the NFL grind.
- Gradual Ramp-Up – Expect Musgrave’s snaps and targets to increase incrementally in the coming weeks as he demonstrates his health and command of the playbook.
- Schematic Wrinkles – While not a complete overhaul, LaFleur and Stenavich will likely have a few new looks ready to take advantage of the dual TE packages Musgrave’s return allows.
All eyes will be on #88 Monday night, eager for a glimpse of the promise he flashed in August and September. For Musgrave and the Packers, it’s the first small step in what they hope will be a major addition to their Super Bowl pursuit down the stretch.
