While cornerback Jaire Alexander missed practice with what must be described now as a lingering and concerning back issue, not all the injury news was bad for the Green Bay Packers on Thursday. Running back Aaron Jones returned to practice after sitting out Wednesday with soreness, and receiver Christian Watson practiced fully for the second consecutive day.
Jones’ return drastically lowers concern over his availability for Sunday’s showdown with the Minnesota Vikings, while Watson — who got hurt on a scary-looking play to end Sunday’s loss in Denver — appears to have avoided a knee injury that will force him to miss games.
The struggling Packers offense needs both Jones, the team’s best playmaker, and Watson, the team’s top deep threat, to be available for Sunday’s clash with the Vikings.
The Packers also returned starting center Josh Myers, who missed Wednesday’s practice with an ankle injury. He was injured and missed four plays on Sunday against the Broncos.
The one negative for the offense: tight end Luke Musgrave missed a second consequence practice and sounds unlikely to play on Sunday due to an ankle injury. Matt LaFleur said rookie Tucker Kraft will likely play a big role against the Vikings, suggesting Musgrave won’t be available.
On defense, Alexander (back) and edge rusher Preston Smith (illness) didn’t practice. There were no other changes in terms of participation from Wednesday to Thursday.
The Packers will put out a final injury report — featuring playing status designation — on Friday.
The Vikings returned tight end T.J. Hockenson (foot) to practice on Thursday. The only player on Minnesota’s 53-man roster unable for practice Thursday was linebacker Brian Asamoah.
