The Green Bay Packers biggest goal this season is to develop and evaluate young offensive players. Until the end of the year, they will have the chance to do this with two more pieces. On Wednesday, the team designated running back Emanuel Wilson and offensive tackle Luke Tenuta to return from injured reserve.

Emanuel Wilson

Wilson hurt his shoulder during the Los Angeles Chargers game, right after Aaron Jones had suffered a knee injury. That was unfortunate because it would have been Wilson's biggest opportunity this season. Since that game, Patrick Taylor, Kenyan Drake, and James Robinson have had carries for the Packers, in addition to AJ Dillon.

Even though Aaron Jones has already returned, Dillon missed last game with a broken thumb, so Wilson's return might be particularly important.

Undrafted out of Fort Valley State, Emanuel Wilson initially was signed by the Denver Broncos. Released three days later, in May, he signed with the Packers and led the NFL preseason in rushing yards. In the regular season, the rookie has had only 14 rushing attempts, but he is the leader in yards per carry (6.1) among Packers running backs.

Luke Tenuta

The other player returning from injury is an offensive tackle the Packers seem to love. A sixth-rounder last year for the Buffalo Bills, he spent time with the Indianapolis Colts too before being claimed off waivers by the Packers in October, 2022. He played only on special teams.

This year, he was ahead of Caleb Jones and closer to Rasheed Walker on the depth chart during training camp. However, he suffered a serious ankle injury in the first preseason game, against the Cincinnati Bengals.

The Packers like Tenuta so much that they kept him on the initial 53-man roster, placing him on IR on the following day. The move allowed the Packers to designate him to return during the season, which they have done now.

In both cases, the Packers have 21 days to activate them to the 53-man roster or place them back on IR, which would end their season.

Not yet

Rookie tight end Luke Musgrave has already spent four games on injured reserve after suffering a lacerated kidney against the Chargers. Therefore, he is technically allowed to come back from IR at any point from now on. However, he's not ready to return yet. Head coach Matt LaFleur said he has a chance to return this season, but there are no guarantees at this point.

Currently, the Packers have three tight ends on the active roster: Tucker Kraft, Ben Sims, and Josiah Deguara. Tight end/fullback hybrid Henry Pearson and Joel Wilson are on the practice squad.

Injury report

Five Packers players didn't practice on Wednesday. The most curious situation is off-ball linebacker De'Vondre Campbell, listed with a neck injury. Last week, he wasn't even listed on the injury report, but he said on social media that he wasn't going to play through injuries anymore after his performance against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers — it's not clear whether it's a reaction for fans or coaches.

Not going out my way anymore and I’m not playing through injuries anymore cause when shit goes wrong they always use it against you. I’m treating everyone accordingly and giving them the same energy they giving me. Focus on yourself and your mental 59 you owe it to yourself ??

— De'Vondre Campbell (@Came_Along_Way) December 19, 2023

The other DNPs are wide receivers Christian Watson (hamstring) and Jayden Reed (toe), safety Darnell Savage (shoulder), and guard Elgton Jenkins (shoulder).

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