Green Bay Packers: Allen Lazard Expected to Play Against Colts
By Paul Bretl
It was reported early Sunday morning that Allen Lazard will be back on the field in a limited fashion for the Green Bay Packers as they take on the Colts.
The Green Bay Packers and their fans woke up to some good news on Sunday morning. All week Allen Lazard’s status was up in the air, and he was listed as questionable on the final injury report. However, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Lazard is expected to play against Indianapolis, although he will be on a snap count.
#Packers WR Allen Lazard, activated this week following surgery for a core muscle injury, is expected to play today, source said. Lazard will be on a pitch count, as GB eases him in. But he should play.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 22, 2020
Lazard last played in Week 3 against the New Orleans Saints after he suffered a core muscle injury in that game, which required surgery. Lazard was off to a blazing start through the first three games, catching 76.5 percent of his targets for 254 yards at 19.5 yards per catch with two touchdowns. And as I’m sure as everyone remembers, that includes an impressive 146-yard performance against the Saints.
In addition to the gaudy numbers, Lazard continues to be a reliable target on third and fourth downs for Aaron Rodgers, but where he’s made the most improvement is as a downfield threat. It’s a small sample size, but by all accounts, Lazard has taken a big step forward this season as he has solidified himself as a legitimate WR2 in this offense.
With Lazard, Davante Adams, and Aaron Jones all playing in this game, this will be the first time since Week 2 against Detroit that the Green Bay Packers have had all three in action. Each player has had to miss some time this season with an injury, which is why they haven’t been on the field together. However, despite that, this Packer offense has still been one of the most productive in the NFL through nine games.
If there is going to be a game where Lazard, Adams, and Jones are back together, this one against Indianapolis is a good as any. This is a Colts’ defense that allows only 19.7 points per game, the fourth-fewest in football, and by Football Outsiders’ ($) DVOA metric, they rank as the fourth-best defense overall.
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As Rapoport mentions, Lazard will be eased back into action, but I imagine that his presence will be felt in this Green Bay Packers’ offense, even on a limited snap count.