The more things change, the more they stay the same. It’s like a rewind from January’s playoff loss, as the Green Bay Packers face a wide receiver injury crisis.
Jayden Reed required a walking boot after suffering a foot injury, Dontayvion Wicks remains sidelined with a calf injury, and now Romeo Doubs’ status is up in the air after leaving Tuesday’s practice with an apparent back issue. Meanwhile, Christian Watson will likely begin the season on the PUP list despite making great progress in his recovery from a torn ACL.
Simply put, the Packers were desperate for wide receiver depth just to get through the week of practice and the upcoming preseason game. According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC Houston, the team has claimed Kawaan Baker off waivers, who has previously spent time in Green Bay.
Packers reunite with WR Kawaan Baker after suffering yet another injury at the position
It’s easy to forget that Baker, a former seventh-round pick by the New Orleans Saints, has previously spent time on the Packers’ practice squad. He has some familiarity with Matt LaFleur’s offense and can provide necessary depth at camp while several Packers receivers recover from injuries.
With Reed, Doubs, Watson, and Wicks out, and rookie Savion Williams missing some practices, there will be plenty of snaps to go around.
Baker won’t catch passes from Jordan Love just yet. He, too, is sidelined with a thumb injury that required surgery on Tuesday. Love could return to practice as early as next week, but LaFleur indicated that he is unlikely to play another snap in the preseason.
Barring the Packers’ receiver injury crisis extending beyond the preseason, Baker is unlikely to make the 53-man roster. He does, however, have an opportunity to audition for other teams.
He will get snaps at joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts on Thursday before facing the same opposition in Saturday afternoon’s preseason contest. It’s a perfect opportunity to make a few plays and prove he deserves a shot elsewhere, even if he doesn’t make Green Bay’s roster.
Baker will likely get his first practice reps in Indianapolis on Thursday.
