Packers: Allen Lazard return will give offense huge boost

The Packers have activated Allen Lazard from IR.

Only eight weeks after needing core muscle surgery, Allen Lazard could be set to make his return as the Green Bay Packers visit the Indianapolis Colts.

The Packers announced on Tuesday that they have activated Lazard from injured reserve, which means he’s now back on the active roster and available to play this week.

It is worth noting that this doesn’t guarantee he’ll definitely play on Sunday against the Colts. This was the final week in the three-week window to activate Lazard from injured reserve, so with his return nearing, the Packers have done so now.

However, all signs are pointing to Lazard returning this week. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport tweeted before last week’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars that while he was unlikely to play in Week 10, we should “expect him back next week”.

Well, “next week” has arrived.

This is huge news for the Packers offense. We haven’t got to see Lazard, Davante Adams, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and Aaron Jones all healthy together too often this season.

Adams got injured in Week 2 then Lazard in Week 3. Jones also missed two games.

Adams did appear to have an ankle injury late in Sunday’s win over the Jaguars which will be something to watch, but the fact he was able to return and score the game-winning touchdown is a good sign.

Lazard was at the top of his game before getting hurt. In his last game, he lit up the New Orleans Saints secondary for 146 yards and a touchdown on six catches.

Valdes-Scantling has put together an excellent two-game stretch and looks to have taken a big step forwards in terms of confidence and also getting the little details right such as getting open when Aaron Rodgers scrambles out of the pocket. Over the past two weeks, MVS has six catches for 202 yards and three touchdowns.

Adams needs no introduction; he’s got about 4,000 touchdowns in the past four seasons.

Getting to see this trio all together is going to be exciting. If Lazard returns this week, it couldn’t come at a better time. The Packers take on the Colts this week, who have the NFL’s No. 1-ranked defense entering Week 11.

We’ll get a better idea later in the week whether Lazard is ready to return, but he’s been officially activated from injured reserve and could be back on the field this week against Indianapolis.