Packers' Leading Wide Receiver in Sling

The Green Bay Packers offense has struggled through seven weeks, and now it appears they may be without their leading pass catcher. Wide Receiver Allen Lazard exited in the fourth quarter of the team's Week 7 23-21 loss to the Washington Commanders with a shoulder injury and was later seen in a sling. Lazard snatched six receptions for 55 yards before his departure. His 340 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns both lead the Packers through seven weeks. Head coach Matt LaFleur declined to expand on the injury at his Monday presser but indicated the team will evaluate Lazard as the week progresses.

Lazard has been one of the few bright spots on a Packers receiving corps in transition after the offseason trade of All-Pro Davante Adams. The team ranks 27th in points per drive and 22nd in net yards per passing attempt this season, and Aaron Rodgers' six turnovers through seven games put him on pace for his most since 2008, his debut season as a starter. Already without second-leading receiver Randall Cobb due to an ankle injury, the Packers may have to consider an outside addition if they don't want their season to spiral out of control.

Lazard joined the Packers as an undrafted free agent following the 2018 NFL Draft. He emerged as a reliable target in 2019 and has totalled 1788 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns in 48 appearances for the team. Should he miss time, the Packers will be forced to rely on veteran wide receiver Sammy Watkins and rookies Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson.
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