Green Bay Packers tight end Luke Musgrave needed to be hospitalized after suffering a “significant” abdomen injury during Sunday’s win over the Los Angeles Chargers.
Coach Matt LaFleur said Musgrave played through the injury on Sunday but has since spent time in an area hospital.
“He’s got a pretty significant injury. I think it speaks to his toughness,” 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.”
LaFleur said the Packers know the injury and Musgrave is now out of the hospital.
“Certainly was a scary situation,” LaFleur said.
Musgrave caught four of six passes for 28 yards against the Chargers. He played 46 of the offense’s 74 snaps and five more snaps on special teams.
It appears the injury occurred when Musgrave landed on the ball after making an 11-yard catch on third down in the second half.
LaFleur said it’s unclear if Musgrave will need to go on injured reserve, which would require missing four games. Musgrave wasn’t available Monday or Tuesday and is out for Thursday against the Detroit Lions.
“He’s going to be a very dynamic player in time in this league,” LaFleur said. “He continues to get better every time he goes out there. Obviously a significant blow for us offensively.”
LaFleur said Musgrave’s injury will be an opportunity for rookies Tucker Kraft and Ben Sims to play more, starting Thursday against the Lions. Kraft caught a 27-yard pass against the Chargers, and LaFleur said his blocking in the run game has improved significantly in recent weeks.
In terms of specifics of the Musgrave injury, LaFleur said he would be able to provide more information at a later date. He confirmed the injury is not related to his appendix.
The Packers are also without tight end/fullback Josiah Deguara, who has a hip injury. The team does not have an additional tight end on the practice squad, so a signing might need to be made before Thursday. It’s possible fullback Henry Pearson could fill in from the practice squad.
