Two starters are out after the bye week, but Aaron Jones is back.
On Monday, the Green Bay Packers returned from their bye week. Because they are not required to create an official injury report, here is an unofficial one.
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN — The Green Bay Packers returned from their bye week on Monday a stronger club than the one that lost at the hands of the Las Vegas Raiders a week before.
While running back Aaron Jones returned to the field after being a surprising inactive in the offense-impaired loss in Vegas, the squad was missing two starters.
In the same place.
Former All-Pro linebacker De’Vondre Campbell, who missed the previous two games due to an ankle injury, and rising second-year rookie Quay Walker, who was restricted to 17 snaps against the Raiders due to a knee ailment, were the only players not practicing on the 53-man roster.
At the very least, they were on the field, with Campbell and Walker working out separately with trainers while their teammates went through individual drills.
Safety Darnell Savage, who was injured in the second half against the Raiders, returned to practice.
Coach Matt LaFleur told reporters the day after the Raiders loss that he was “hopeful” Walker and Savage will be available for Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos. Before the Raiders game, LaFleur expressed cautious confidence that Campbell would return this week as well.
Safety Zayne Anderson, who was grabbed off waivers following final cuts but has been inactive for every game, was also back on the practice field. He missed the previous three games due to a hamstring ailment.
The big news, however, was Jones’ comeback after suffering a hamstring injury in the third quarter of the Bears’ Week 1 victory. Jones returned for the crucial Week 4 matchup against Detroit after missing the Week 2 defeat at Atlanta and the Week 3 triumph over New Orleans. He had 20 snaps and six touches for 12 yards.
He appeared to be prepared for a larger part against Las Vegas. Instead, he was noticeably absent. AJ Dillon had his finest game of the season, which isn’t saying much, but the Packers fell 17-13 without their top playmaker.
On Sunday, the Packers (2-3) will travel to Denver to face the Broncos (1-5). Will they finally be at full offensive strength? Green Bay’s two best offensive weapons, Jones and receiver Christian Watson, have played 11 snaps together.
“I sure as hell hope so,” LaFleur said of Jones’ return to play the Broncos on Tuesday.
The fact that Jones has only played 48 snaps is no justification for an offense that ranks 13th in scoring, 27th in rushing per game, and 25th in running per carry.
“He is a great player, there’s no doubt about it, and he’s an explosive playmaker,” remarked LaFleur. “You saw what he did with the choice route and the screen that we ran in Week 1, just getting big, explosion plays.” He does, however, tip the scales in your favor.
“However, there is still an expectation that you must go out there and perform, regardless of who is out there.” So I never want it to be the story. You’ll have to work around that. That’s how football works. There are a lot of other teams in this league in similar situations, and you have to find a way.”
LaFleur will not speak with the media until after Wednesday’s practice.
DNP: LB Quay Walker (knee), LB De’Vondre Campbell (ankle) off the Packers’ Monday injury report.
S Darnell Savage (calf), RB Aaron Jones (hamstring), and S Zayne Anderson (hamstring) all returned to practice.
