With the lack of talent brought in and the struggles of Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Green Bay Packers wide receiver Allen Lazard has clearly solidified himself as the WR2 for Aaron Rodgers.
However, a core muscle injury caused him to miss some games. The same injury is going to keep him on a snap count against the Detroit Lions in Week 14, according to head coach Matt LaFleur.
Allen Lazard Injury
During a career game, when Lazard caught six passes for 146 yards and a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints, he suffered a core muscle injury. This injury led to surgical repair, which kept him out multiple weeks.
Lazard returned to action in Week 11 and has since played all three games. However, he has been limited in each, with 69% of the offensive snaps last week being the most he has seen since the injury. He has taken a number of big hits since his return. Due to these hits and presumably the Packers’ position in the playoff race, LaFleur has said Lazard will continue to be limited.
[sc name=”newsletter” ]Lazard’s Pitch Count
LaFleur told reporters that he does not want to play Lazard 60 snaps. This is not a change from the previous three weeks, since 42 plays is the most he has seen. However, it is interesting, and possibly concerning, that he continues to be limited.
The Packers average 63.2 offensive plays per game, which ranks in the bottom half of the league in pace. In other words, this limited role for Lazard is not likely to be much of an impact in a typical game. However, in matchups that could turn into shoot-outs, like Sunday against the Lions, the Packers may have Lazard on the sideline more than fans would like to see.
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