With injuries piling up in Green Bay, the Packers are making roster moves to reinforce their depth at tight end ahead of their Week 6 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Packers signed tight end John FitzPatrick from the Atlanta Falcons’ practice squad to their 53-man roster on October 10. While the Packers have not officially confirmed the transaction, the signing is expected to help shore up a position that’s suddenly thin due to injuries.
Luke Musgrave Likely Headed to Injured Reserve
The Packers are dealing with the likely loss of second-round pick Luke Musgrave, who is expected to be placed on injured reserve after missing Week 5 with an ankle injury. Head coach Matt LaFleur indicated that Musgrave is “more than likely” bound for IR, which would sideline him for at least four games. Musgrave caught five passes for 22 yards across five games this season, making two starts, but has struggled to find consistent health.
With Musgrave out, FitzPatrick will likely assume the No. 3 tight end role behind starter Tucker Kraft and backup Ben Sims. FitzPatrick, a 2022 sixth-round pick by Atlanta, missed his rookie season due to injury but returned to action in 2023, playing nine games for the Falcons. Though his offensive contributions were minimal — just one reception for 12 yards — FitzPatrick made an impact on special teams, notching 83 snaps and three tackles.
The Packers are hoping FitzPatrick’s versatility will ease the strain on their depleted tight end group as they look to continue their strong start to the 2024 season.
Tucker Kraft Added to Injury Report
The Packers’ tight end woes don’t end with Musgrave. Kraft, who has been one of the team’s breakout players through five games, was added to the injury report on October 10 with a groin injury. He was limited during Thursday’s practice, leaving his status for Sunday’s game against Arizona in question. Kraft has been a key target for quarterback Jordan Love, hauling in 16 catches for 218 yards and three touchdowns, including a highlight-reel 66-yard score in last week’s win over the Rams.
If Kraft’s groin injury lingers into Sunday’s game, the Packers may need to rely more heavily on Sims and the newly acquired FitzPatrick, potentially accelerating the latter’s integration into the offense.
Devonte Wyatt and Others Remain Limited
On the defensive side of the ball, Green Bay has also been dealing with injury setbacks. Defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt, who has missed time since suffering an ankle injury in Week 4, did not participate in Thursday’s practice. Wyatt had been a standout performer on the Packers’ defensive line before the injury, tallying three sacks and six tackles for loss through the first four games. In his absence, the Packers have leaned on Colby Wooden to fill the void.
Other limited participants in practice include cornerbacks Jaire Alexander (groin) and Carrington Valentine (ankle), defensive tackle Kenny Clark (toe), wide receiver Christian Watson (ankle), and several other key contributors.
