Packers: Jace Sternberger returning just at the right time

The Green Bay Packers could do with some help in the receiving game. In two weeks, rookie tight end Jace Sternberger might be able to help.

Time will tell whether wide receiver is a top priority for the Packers before the trade deadline in two weeks. Even if it is, that doesn’t guarantee a deal will be possible. But with injuries piling up at wide receiver, the Packers need some help in the receiving game.

They may soon get that from rookie tight end Jace Sternberger.

ESPN’s Rob Demovsky reported that the Packers will designate Sternberger to return from injured reserve. The earliest he can return is in Week 9. The Packers are on the road against the Los Angeles Chargers that week.

Davante Adams will hopefully be back from a toe injury by then, but the concerns at receiver and tight end remain.

Jimmy Graham has been disappointing in the opening six weeks of the season, making just 14 receptions for 149 yards and two touchdowns. He’s on pace to finish the season with less than 400 receiving yards.

Robert Tonyan has a lot of potential and has contributed with some big plays this season, but he only has four catches. Marcedes Lewis is primarily a blocker although he can contribute in the passing game, as he showed last week against the Lions.

But in total, the Packers’ tight ends have combined for 27 receptions, 334 yards and two touchdowns so far this season.

Sternberger was selected in the third round back in April, and he may be able to offer more as a receiver than the other tight ends have been able to. It’s important to not place too high expectations on Sternberger as he’s coming off an injury, and rookie tight ends often take time to develop, but he could contribute early on.

The Packers could do with help in the receiving game. Whether Sternberger can make a difference this season remains to be seen, but he’ll at least be able to return in the near future.