Abbrederis inches closer to return
Jared Abbrederis was back on the practice field when the Green Bay Packers conducted a light walk-through inside the Don Hutson Center on Sunday evening.
It’s the second-year receiver's first appearance since he sustained a rib/chest injury while hauling in a critical 32-yard completion late in the Packers’ 18-16 loss to Detroit two weeks ago. Packers coach Mike McCarthy said afterward the former Wisconsin standout was expected to miss “several weeks.”
The Packers conducted a very light workout on Sunday, their first on-field work since Thursday’s 17-13 loss to Chicago. So it remains to be seen whether Abbrederis will be cleared for Monday’s practice, which McCarthy said will mirror their more rigorous Thursday workouts.
Abbrederis, who’s still feeling some pain from the injury, wasn't making any promises when asked Sunday if he’ll be able to return in time for this week’s game against the Lions.
“We’ll see how it goes,” said Abbrederis, who caught four passes for 57 yards against Detroit on Nov. 15. “We’ll see how it progresses. I’m happy with where I’m at.”
A fifth-round pick in 2014, Abbrederis sat out his entire rookie season because of a torn anterior cruciate ligament. He returned in time for the offseason program, but sustained a concussion on the first day of training camp that sidelined him for a month.
The Packers have been operating with only four healthy receivers on the active roster since Abbrederis went down. Rookie Ty Montgomery was on track to return two weeks ago, but has now missed the last five games after aggravated his high-ankle in practice on Nov. 19.
Abbrederis quickly impressed quarterback Aaron Rodgers with his route-running and attention to detail upon his arrival in Green Bay, but the Wautoma native knows availability plays largely into opportunities. Once he returns from his most recent setback, it’s his goal to stay on the field.
“Obviously being a player, you want to get back as quick as possible,” Abbrederis said. “I would have liked to have been back the first week I missed, but that’s kind of how things go. Tough league, people get injured a lot. You just have to do your best to stay out there as much as possible.”
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