Big-name uncertainty leading up to Packers-Chiefs

[Cheesehead]

From LaFleur’s point of view, getting ready for Kansas City’s entire offense is the focus of the week, not whether or not Mahomes makes a miraculous return from last Thursday night’s knee injury.


“I think you've always got to prepare for the quarterback, especially when he's out there practicing. But there's so much to prepare for when you look at their offense. I mean, they've got explosive playmakers all over the field,” LaFleur said, before rattling off a list that includes tight end Travis Kelce, receivers Tyreek Hill and Sammy Watkins, and running back LeSean McCoy.


“I mean, they've got players all over the yard and, oh by the way, you have Andy Reid, who is as good as anybody in the business at calling plays. There's plenty to prepare for whether he plays or not.”


Some potential help against those weapons could be on his way back for the Packers, as rookie safety Darnell Savage practiced for the first time since injuring his ankle in Dallas three games ago. The workout was mostly a walk-through, but Savage was listed as a full participant.


The Packers’ offensive arsenal certainly has expanded in Adams’ absence, and the offense feels good about what it has going no matter how things shake out with Adams this week. Allen Lazard has continued to emerge as another receiving option, Marquez Valdes-Scantling is developing into one of the more consistent deep threats in the league, and the running back tandem of Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams just keeps producing.


LaFleur said the decision on Adams “could go right up to game time” Sunday night, and as much as Rodgers would love to have his top target back, he’s willing to remain patient and keep the long view in mind.


“I want him to come back when he feels healthy,” Rodgers said of Adams, who had 10 catches for 180 yards in Week 4 vs. Philadelphia before the toe injury struck. “He’s going to push himself, though, and he has an extremely high pain tolerance.


“Again, I wouldn’t ever rule him out, because if you start doing that, it might (tick) him off even more to want to get out there. Excited to get him back, but I want him to be healthy first and foremost.”