Is Luke Musgrave playing this week? Latest Week 8 injury updates for Packers vs. Vikings

The Green Bay Packers have dealt with awful injury luck this season. Green Bay has lost key starters seemingly every week, including in the ugly defeat to the Denver Broncos.

With a huge divisional showdown against the Minnesota Vikings up next, the Packers need as many of their injured stars to play as possible.

That includes rookie tight end Luke Musgrave. Musgrave is dealing with an ankle injury that puts his status for Sunday's game in doubt. Here are the latest updates ahead of Week 8.

Luke Musgrave injury status for Week 8 game against Vikings

Luke Musgrave is questionable to play in Week 8 against the Vikings, per the Packers' injury report. He didn't practice on Wednesday or Thursday but returned in limited fashion on Friday.

Musgrave suffered an ankle injury after a big hit from Broncos safety Kareem Jackson. It landed Jackson a two-game suspension and he was ejected from the game.

The initial concern was an injury to the head or neck area, especially as Musgrave suffered a concussion in Week 4, but it was actually an ankle injury that kept the rookie tight end out for the remainder of the contest.

Musgrave was wearing a walking boot during a guest appearance on Clubhouse Live on Tuesday evening.

"As soon as possible," Musgrave said when asked when he could return. "We're kind of just going to take it day by day for now, and we'll see how it goes, but as soon as possible."

Luke Musgrave injury history

Musgrave's final season in college was cut short due to an MCL injury. He had surgery and didn't play again for the rest of the year. Musgrave was cleared in time to participate in the Senior Bowl.

Outside of 2022, Musgrave didn't miss much time during his four seasons at Oregon State.

The rookie has featured in all six Packers games this season. He suffered a concussion in the Week 4 loss to the Detroit Lions. The game was on a Thursday night, and the Packers didn't play again until Monday Night Football in Week 5. He had additional time to clear the concussion protocol, which he did.

Who would replace Luke Musgrave in the lineup?

The Packers don't have a clear replacement for Musgrave. Josiah Deguara would likely get the start, but he plays a different role than Musgrave. Green Bay tends to use Deguara in more of a fullback position, asking him to block. The fourth-year pro only has seven catches this season.

But Deguara is the most experienced tight end on the roster and could take on some of Musgrave's duties, particularly when it comes to blocking.

Rookies Tucker Kraft and Ben Sims would also see an increase in snaps. Kraft, the Packers' third-round pick in April, has made two catches for five yards this year. Kraft's snap counts have increased in the past two games, and he made some impressive plays as a blocker against the Broncos.

Whether the Packers believe Kraft is ready for a full-time role remains to be seen, but they might not have much choice.

Packers next 5 opponents

• Week 9: Los Angeles Rams, November 5, 12 noon
• Week 10: @ Pittsburgh Steelers, November 12, 12 noon
• Week 11: Los Angeles Chargers, November 19, 12 noon
• Week 12: @ Detroit Lions, November 23, 11:30 a.m.
• Week 13: Kansas City Chiefs, December 3, 7:20 p.m. CT

Note: All times are CT.

The Packers' schedule continues to get tougher as the weeks go on. Upcoming games against Minnesota and the Los Angeles Rams are hardly easy, but a three-game stretch against the Los Angeles Chargers, Detroit Lions, and Kansas City Chiefs is particularly daunting.

Green Bay has beaten the Rams at Lambeau three seasons in a row, but Aaron Rodgers played in each victory. A matchup against Pittsburgh's defense will challenge a struggling Green Bay offense. We saw the mismatch between the Lions and Packers at Lambeau. Beating Detroit on the road on a short week is a big ask.

Then, there are the matchups against elite quarterbacks in Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert. At least those two games are at home.

Packers injury report

• CB Jaire Alexander (Back) - Questionable
• S Zayne Anderson (Hamstring)
• LB De'Vondre Campbell (Ankle) - Questionable
• G Elgton Jenkins (Knee)
• RB Aaron Jones (Hamstring)
• TE Luke Musgrave (Ankle) - Questionable
• C Josh Myers (Ankle) - Questionable
• T Yosh Nijman (Knee)
• WR Christian Watson (Knee)
• DL Devonte Wyatt (Knee)

Vikings injury report

• LB Brian Asamoah II (Ankle) - Out
• G Ezra Cleveland (Foot) - Questionable
• TE T.J. Hockenson (Foot)
• WR Jalen Nailor (Hamstring) - Questionable
• RB Kene Nwangwu (Illness) - Questionable

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