Packers have depth at tight end despite Jace Sternberger going to IR

Rookie tight end Jace Sternberger has been placed on injured reserve, but the Green Bay Packers still have good depth at the position.

The Packers will hope Sternberger can become a starter in the future, and potentially losing him for the season isn’t ideal. But for the 2019 season, the Packers have good depth at tight end.

The team announced on Tuesday that they had placed Sternberger on injured reserve.

Sternberger has been unlucky with injuries so far this summer. He missed time during training camp due to a concussion, and will now miss at least half the season due to an ankle injury. As Sternberger was placed on IR following the roster cuts at the weekend, the team will have the opportunity to bring him back after eight weeks.

ESPN’s Rob Demovsky reported that Sternberger had a boot on his left foot in the locker room. It’s clear the Packers don’t believe he’d be able to return any time soon, which is why placing him on IR makes sense.

The Packers still have three tight ends on the roster — Jimmy Graham, Marcedes Lewis and Robert Tonyan. Graham is still a good receiving option for the Packers, and Lewis is an excellent blocker. Many analysts have predicted Tonyan could have a breakout season in 2019. Aaron Rodgers also had high praise for Tonyan.

And for now, it looks like the Packers are happy with their depth as they are not promoting a TE from the practice squad. They are adding another receiving option though. According to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic, wide receiver Allen Lazard will be promoted to the 53-man roster.

This move could also provide extra cover for receiver Darrius Shepherd, who is listed on the Week 1 injury report with a hamstring injury.

Losing any player to IR is never good news, especially a third-round pick. But the Packers do have good depth at tight end with Graham, Lewis and Tonyan.