4 injured Packers who could return just in time for playoff run.

The Green Bay Packers find themselves firmly in the mix for the playoffs in the NFC after a slow-ish start and some struggles in the first half of the season. A win against the Kansas City Chiefs has given the Packers and the fan base a ton of confidence going into a stretch run which includes matchups against — let’s just call it what it is — some of the worst teams in the entire NFL. And it’s possible the Packers could gain an even bigger advantage as the playoffs draw near.

There are some players who are currently on the injured list that could ultimately return to help the Packers make some serious noise for the playoffs this season.

Timelines are all different and the likelihood of everyone returning varies on a case-by-case basis. Injuries in the NFL are obviously unpredictable. But there is a chance that this talented and hungry Green Bay team could get even better for the stretch run. Which players could be coming back from injuries to help this team make some serious noise in the playoff race?

1. Christian Watson, WR

Let’s take a look at some low-hanging fruit first and foremost, because Christian Watson just went down with a hamstring injury against Kansas City, and was ticked off about it as he made his way to the sideline.

It’s hard to blame him, as Watson has been limited a bit this season due to injuries as it is, and hamstrings can be really tricky when your position requires you to accelerate explosively, out-leap defenders, and play fast at all times.

Even with some injuries and inconsistency issues, Christian Watson still has about a touchdown every other NFL game he’s played in. He has 14 total scores (12 receiving, 2 rushing) in 23 career games and even with a case of the drops earlier this year, he’s managed to come on strong lately. He might miss some time with his latest injury, but he will hopefully be back and ready for a big-time run late in the season.

2. Luke Musgrave, TE

One of the more underrated losses for the Green Bay Packers in recent weeks has been emerging second-round tight end Luke Musgrave, who was becoming a bigger part of the offensive gameplan every single week. Musgrave, a second-round pick out of Oregon State, has all of the talent in the world to be a dynamic presence at the tight end position, but staying healthy is part of the reason he maybe fell to the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

The rookie has 33 catches for 341 yards and a touchdown this season, but the Packers know he can make a major difference as this team pursues the playoffs.

With a lacerated kidney, of course Musgrave is going to have to be very careful if he’s going to return this season. A return to the field is uncertain at best right now, but if the Packers do make the playoffs, perhaps that will be enough time for Musgrave to get back onto the field.

In the meantime, they’ll continue to lean on fellow rookie Tucker Kraft, who has also been showing some tremendous signs of progress, but to have both of those young tight ends healthy for the playoffs would be incredible to see. Hopefully, Musgrave is able to get there.

3. Aaron Jones, RB

The Green Bay Packers have been riding the resurgence of AJ Dillon in the last handful of games at the running back position, as well as getting some good contributions from Patrick Taylor in that Chiefs matchup. But ultimately, if the Packers are going to do some damage late this season and maybe even make some noise in the playoffs, they’re going to need running back Aaron Jones.

Jones has obviously been a star for the Packers and is one of the key playmakers on this roster. He hasn’t practiced since suffering a knee injury, but his ramp-up period could be coming. He’s played in just seven games this season for the Packers and obviously hasn’t been overly effective in those games as he’s been dealing with the injury and maybe not being 100 percent.

Shockingly, he’s still fourth on the team with three TDs from scrimmage.

We all know what kind of a threat Jones is capable of being when he’s healthy and at full strength. He gives the Packers a dynamic option both on the ground and through the air, and even if he’s not back for Week 14 against the Giants, getting him back within the next handful of weeks could absolutely help Green Bay make some noise.

4. Jaire Alexander, CB

What’s great news for the Green Bay Packers is that cornerback Jaire Alexander, out of everyone on this list of injured players who could come back to help the team make a playoff run, is probably going to be the one to come back the soonest.

Alexander practiced every day last week leading up to the matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, but the Packers held him out. They’ve hopefully done their part by giving him the appropriate and perhaps even extra time needed to properly recover from his shoulder injury.

When the Packers have Jaire Alexander on the field, they boast one of the best cornerbacks in the entire NFL. Alexander is a true shutdown type of player, capable of taking away an entire side of the field when he’s on top of his game. Having that kind of advantage defensively helps every other area on that side of the ball.

On top of Jaire Alexander coming back into the lineup, the Packers might get Eric Stokes back in the near future as well. This team could be nearing full strength for a playoff run in the secondary, and with the rest of the defense playing extremely well on this current run the Packers have been on, this team could simply be taking it to the next level in the near future.