The Green Bay Packers already boast one of the NFL’s most efficient offenses, ranking fourth in DVOA and eighth in EPA per play. However, their offensive potential could improve even further in the coming weeks as they anticipate the return of key young players.
Jordan Morgan
The first-round rookie has been dealing with a shoulder injury and spent the past four games on injured reserve. While the Packers haven’t provided a specific timeline for his return, Morgan is now eligible to rejoin the active roster, and there’s optimism he’ll return soon. His comeback is critical due to limited depth at his position. Beyond Morgan, the only backup interior lineman is fifth-rounder Jacob Monk, who has mostly been inactive this season.
Last Thursday, Sean Rhyan missed time, forcing Green Bay to slot backup tackle Kadeem Telfort at right guard. While Telfort performed well in run blocking, he allowed one pressure in just four pass-blocking snaps. Additionally, Josh Myers has struggled after a strong start to the season. Morgan’s return could give the Packers flexibility to shuffle the lineup, potentially moving Elgton Jenkins or Rhyan to center while benching Myers.
Luke Musgrave
The second-year tight end sustained a severe ankle injury in Week 4 against the Vikings. Although he was active the following week, he didn’t play, and further examination revealed the injury was worse than initially thought. Musgrave has now been on injured reserve for eight games, with the Packers expressing hope for his return this season.
Despite his absence, Tucker Kraft has emerged as one of the league’s most effective tight ends, lessening the blow. However, Musgrave remains a unique weapon in the passing game, and his return would further enhance the offense.
MarShawn Lloyd
The third-round rookie running back has seen minimal action this year due to an ankle sprain suffered in Week 2, which sidelined him for seven games. After the bye week, Lloyd was set to return but experienced appendicitis, prompting the Packers to move him to the non-football illness list.
Lloyd missed the game against the Bears before being placed on the NFI list on November 20. With three games since then, he remains unavailable for the matchup against Seattle. If healthy, Lloyd could return for Green Bay’s final stretch of games against the Saints, Vikings, and Bears, providing a boost to their backfield as the regular season wraps up.
