Oct 1, 2023; London, United Kingdom;  Atlanta Falcons tight end John FitzPatrick (87) reacts during the first half of an NFL International Series game at Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter van den Berg-Imagn Images

Report: Packers grab TE John FitzPatrick off Falcons’ practice squad

The Green Bay Packers are signing tight end John FitzPatrick off the Atlanta Falcons’ practice squad, ESPN reported Thursday.

The Packers (3-2) reportedly will add FitzPatrick to the active roster for Sunday’s game against the visiting Arizona Cardinals (2-3) with tight end Luke Musgrave (ankle) practicing on a limited basis so far this week.

FitzPatrick, 24, was drafted in the sixth round by Atlanta in 2022. He has just one catch for 12 yards in nine games (zero starts), with all of those games coming in 2023. He has played 18 snaps on offense and 83 on special teams, recording three tackles.

Musgrave, 24, did not play in last weekend’s 24-19 road win against the Los Angeles Rams. He has five catches for 22 yards in four games (two starts) this season.

–Field Level Media

Nov 19, 2023; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA;  Green Bay Packers tight end Luke Musgrave (88) warms up before game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Packers WR Christian Watson, TE Luke Musgrave could play Sunday

Purported No. 1 receiver Christian Watson and starting tight end Luke Musgrave have a “realistic” chance to play Sunday for the Green Bay Packers in the regular-season finale with the Chicago Bears.

The Packers are in the playoffs with a win against Chicago.

Watson missed the last four games with a hamstring injury but returned to practice this week.

Musgrave, recovering from a lacerated kidney, is being considered for the active roster on gameday for the first time since he was injured in Week 11.

“I’d say it’s realistic, yes,” Packers head coach LaFleur said.

Watson has five touchdowns catches but has been dogged by injuries since being drafted in 2022. When healthy, he’s served as the big-play threat in Green Bay’s offense and averages 15.1 yards on his 28 receptions this season.

Musgrave, the 42nd pick in the 2023 draft, is the co-star of the rookie class with wide receiver Jayden Reed and is tied for third on the team with 33 receptions despite missed time.

Green Bay is also hopeful Reed can go this week after he left last week’s win over the Vikings with a chest injury. Reed had six catches for 89 yards and two touchdowns prior to leaving the game.

The team’s leader with 60 catches, Reed has eight TD catches, tied with Romeo Doubs for tops on the Packers.

–Field Level Media

Sunday, November 19, 2023; Green Bay, WI; Green Bay Packers tight end Luke Musgrave (88) is upended by Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. (26) during the game at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Tork Mason-USA TODAY NETWORK

Packers TE Luke Musgrave to IR with lacerated kidney

The Green Bay Packers placed tight end Luke Musgrave and running back Emanuel Wilson on injured reserve on Wednesday.

Both rookies were hurt in Sunday’s win against the Los Angeles Chargers, with Musgrave sustaining a lacerated kidney and Wilson carted off with a shoulder injury.

Musgrave played 16 additional snaps through the pain after being injured at the end of a 10-yard reception in the third quarter.

The 2023 second-round pick went to the hospital but did not require surgery. He is back home resting and being monitored, according to multiple reports.

“He’s got a pretty significant injury. I think it speaks to his toughness,” Packers coach Matt LaFleur said Tuesday. “He didn’t say anything all game but then something came up and he called Flea (head athletic trainer Bryan Engel). He’s been in the hospital. It’s been pretty significant. This kid is as tough as they come.

“He’s a guy that — I think he’s going to be a very dynamic player in time in this league. He continues to get better every time he goes out there, so obviously a significant blow for us offensively, but just like we always talk about, it’s going to be opportunities for these other guys.”

Musgrave, 23, has 33 receptions for 341 yards and one touchdown in 10 games (nine starts) this season.

Fellow rookies Tucker Kraft and Ben Sims are listed behind him on the depth chart and are in line for more action on Thanksgiving Day as the Packers (4-6) visit the Detroit Lions (8-2).

Wilson, 24, was injured during the same second-quarter drive as starting running back Aaron Jones (knee). The undrafted rookie has played in seven games, rushing 14 times for 85 yards and catching four passes for 23 yards.

The Packers elevated former Jacksonville Jaguars and New York Jets running back James Robinson and receiver Bo Melton to the practice squad.

–Field Level Media