Packers: Allen Lazard is already back practicing after injury

The Packers had Allen Lazard back at practice on Wednesday.

Just five weeks ago, wide receiver Allen Lazard had surgery after suffering a core muscle injury in a career-best performance in the Green Bay Packers‘ win over the New Orleans Saints.

The injury landed him on injured reserve, forcing him to miss at least three games. Well, three games and a bye week later, Lazard has made his return to practice, perhaps an indication it won’t be long before he makes his return to action.

According to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic, Lazard has been designated to return from injured reserve and practiced on Wednesday.

It’s quite incredible that Lazard has been able to return to practice so soon after the injury. And based on one six-second video by the Packers’ Twitter account, he seemed to be moving comfortably.

Lazard’s return to practice doesn’t mean he’ll play this week. When a player is designated to return from IR, the team has a 21-day window to activate them. The move shows the Packers are confident they’ll get Lazard back sometime in the next three weeks.

The team has already activated two players from IR this season.

Wide receiver Equanimeous St. Brown returned at the earliest possible opportunity after missing three games. Inside linebacker Kamal Martin was designated to return the same week as St. Brown, but didn’t make his debut until a week later, and it happened to be a very good one against the Houston Texans.

The Packers have two games coming up quickly. Following this Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings, they’ll visit the San Francisco 49ers next Thursday.

If Lazard isn’t ready to go on Sunday, perhaps the Packers plan to have him back against the 49ers. Maybe not. Lazard’s return could still be a few weeks away, but the fact he’s already back practicing is a great sign.