GREEN BAY, Wis. -- The Green Bay Packers offense could be back at full strength to start the stretch run of the season with the return of wide receiver Allen Lazard.
The Packers' No. 2 threat in the passing game was added to the 53-man roster Tuesday, nearly three weeks after he returned to practice following core muscle surgery.
Combined with the return of All-Pro left tackle David Bakhtiari for last Sunday's victory over the Jaguars and the return of running back Aaron Jones for the previous week's win against the 49ers, the Packers (7-2) should have their full complement to surround Aaron Rodgers in time for one of their toughest remaining games -- at the Colts on Sunday -- as long as Davante Adams' ankle holds up.
Adams missed part of the second half Sunday but finished the game.
Lazard last played in Week 3, when he caught six passes for 146 yards and a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints -- the first of two games Adams missed because of a hamstring injury. Just days after the Saints game, Lazard underwent core muscle surgery and was placed on injured reserve.
Bakhtiari missed three games because of broken ribs, and Jones was held out for two games with a calf injury. Backup running back Jamaal Williams missed one game because he was a close contact of third-string running back AJ Dillon, who tested positive for COVID-19.
Coach Matt LaFleur said Monday that Dillon was close to returning. The only other lingering injury issue on offense is gadget back/receiver Tyler Ervin, who left Sunday's game with a rib injury.
Despite all the moving parts, the Packers rank second in the NFL in offensive points scored and sixth in total yards.