The Green Bay Packers have an injury crisis at tight end. Then again, where don't they have an injury crisis? After all, they could be down to their third-string quarterback in Week 17.
At tight end, Green Bay has lost Tucker Kraft and John FitzPatrick for the season, while Josh Whyle remains in the concussion protocol. That left them with just Luke Musgrave at the end of their loss to the Chicago Bears on Sunday, and he is primarily a pass-catcher without much blocking responsibility.
While the Packers could promote Drake Dabney or McCallan Castles from the practice squad, their best option is to give Marcedes Lewis a call.
Packers should sign Marcedes Lewis off the Broncos' practice squad
Lewis is currently on the Denver Broncos' practice squad. The veteran tight end has played four games for Denver with one start, but since he's not on the 53-man roster, he is free to sign with any team.
"We have a plan," head coach Matt LaFleur said about potentially adding a tight end this week. "We're kind of working through it right now."
The Packers would have to make room on their roster, but they need the blocking help, and Lewis can provide it. The 41-year-old has never offered much as a pass-catcher, but his role would be to come in and help serve as an extra body to block. Lewis already knows the system.
READ MORE: Tom Brady says what Packers fans already knew about Malik Willis
LaFleur has started integrating the jumbo formation into his game plan, where the Packers bring a sixth offensive lineman onto the field. When everyone is healthy, Darian Kinnard usually takes that role.
Lewis is still a reliable blocker and could help out in the final stretch of the season, especially while right tackle Zach Tom is out due to injury. And the bonus is that, on a rare occasion, LaFleur could have Lewis fake a block and catch a pass.
It didn't take long for Lewis to become a fan favorite in Green Bay. He spent five seasons with the Packers, featuring in 81 games with 64 starts. Bringing him back for the final two games of the regular season, and likely a playoff run, could give this offense the added depth it needs.
Whyle should return soon, but the Packers will miss FitzPatrick. It leaves another void at the position, as the Packers can ill afford to trust Musgrave as a blocker.
Lewis back in Green Bay makes a ton of sense for everyone.