Packers: Allen Lazard expected to return in Week 11 vs. Colts

The Packers should have their top three receivers available in Week 11.

The Green Bay Packers are expected to have wide receiver Allen Lazard back in this afternoon’s game against the Indianapolis Colts.

Lazard has been out of action with a core muscle injury since getting hurt in Week 3. Despite being activated from injured reserve earlier in the week, he’s listed as questionable on the Packers’ injury report.

However, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Lazard is expected to play today against the Colts, which is great news for the Packers offense.

Rapoport adds that “Lazard will be on a pitch count” which isn’t surprising as he makes his return from a significant injury. But the fact the team is happy enough with his recovery from injury for him to play this week is great news.

For the first time since Week 2, the Packers will start a game with Lazard, Davante Adams, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling all active. Adams left that game with a hamstring injury, so this trio has only started and finished one game together this season.

Despite the injuries at wide receiver, the Packers offense continues to be productive. Now we get to see how this group performs against the top-ranked defense in the NFL entering Week 11. It should be an interesting battle.

Just how big of an impact can Lazard make down the stretch for the Packers?

Even if he’s limited this week, his return is huge for this offense. He was heating up earlier in the season and lit up the New Orleans Saints defense with six receptions for 146 yards and a touchdown before getting hurt. That was the final game Lazard played before needing core muscle surgery.

In a tough matchup, the Packers will need all of their pass catchers to play well as the Colts will likely do all they can to slow down Adams. Getting Lazard back will help.