Packers Place 2024 Draft Pick On Injured Reserve

The Green Bay Packers have placed offensive lineman Jordan Morgan on injured reserve, per NFL Insider Ian Rapoport, potentially creating a huge liability for the team before they face off against the Chicago Bears in Week 11.

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Morgan has struggled with a shoulder injury throughout his rookie season, sidelined during training camp and later re-injuring it in Week 2, which caused him to miss three consecutive games. Packers head coach Matt LaFleur stated that the injury was aggravated in the same shoulder.

He's played 186 offensive snaps and 29 special teams snaps across six games in 2024 so far.

Green Bay has also upgraded cornerback Robert Rochell from the practice squad to the active roster. The player was originally drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft out of Central Arkansas. At the time of his release by the Rams, he was entering the third year of a four-year, $4.17 million rookie contract, but was among the final cuts after the preseason.

After being waived by the Rams, Rochell spent some time on the Seattle Seahawks' practice squad in September, though he was released after a few weeks. He later joined the Carolina Panthers, where he also landed on their practice squad.

The Packers signed Rochell off the Panthers' practice squad, initially bringing him back for the 2024 season before placing him on their practice squad. Now, he has been elevated to the active roster.

Green Bay is facing significant changes along its offensive line heading into Week 11. In addition to placing Morgan on injured reserve, rookie running back MarShawn Lloyd was diagnosed with appendicitis and reportedly underwent an emergency appendectomy on Friday.

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Lloyd had been designated to return from injured reserve on Monday after missing seven games due to an ankle injury. He participated in practice on Wednesday and Thursday this week and appeared to be on track to make his return to action on Sunday against the Chicago Bears.

The Packers are currently sitting in third place in the NFC North with a 6–3 record, and according to ESPN, they have an 80% chance of making the playoffs. There are some encouraging signs for the Packers this season, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. The team hired Jeff Hafley, the former head coach at Boston College, as their new defensive coordinator. However, the increasing number of players on the IR and thus unable to play for at least four games should give any Green Bay fan some cause for concern.

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