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- Mar 19, 2019
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Lazard, CBs return: Receiver Allen Lazard made his long-awaited return to the Packers' lineup following a two-month absence due to core-muscle surgery.
Lazard played a complementary role in the passing game against Indianapolis, catching two passes for 18 yards, but brought his patented physicality as a blocker – specifically in the second quarter when he sealed off Kenny Moore during Davante Adams' 6-yard touchdown catch-and-run.
"Obviously, you could feel Allen Lazard's presence when he came back out there," Head Coach Matt LaFleur said. "Not only in the run game but he made some plays in the passing game as well. Again, another guy that you just feel his physicalness. I thought the receivers really brought that dimension, specifically in the first half."
Starting cornerbacks Jaire Alexander and Kevin King also were back in the lineup. Alexander finished with five tackles and two pass deflections, while King had seven tackles.
"It was nice to get Allen back today and Kevin King and Jaire," Rodgers said. "We did have a couple injuries, which hurt us, but it felt like we had all of our guys back."
Scott suits up: JK Scott was back in a Packers uniform on Sunday despite a personal matter that resulted in the third-year punter not traveling with the team Saturday and being listed as questionable.
As an emergency option, Green Bay signed veteran Drew Kaser, who previously spent time on the Packers' roster in November 2018 when Scott and his wife were expecting the birth of their first child. However, Scott made the trip and Kaser was inactive.
Scott, who also had been listed with a back issue on the injury report this past week, averaged 39.0 yards (36.0 net) on his three punts against the Colts.
"We knew that JK was going to be available, really (Saturday) night," LaFleur said. "Thankful that he showed up for us."
Backup plan: Both the Packers and Colts were without their starting kickoff returners, with Darrius Shepherd replacing an injured Tyler Ervin (ribs) and former Packers cornerback Tremon Smith replacing Isaiah Rodgers.
Rodgers, the NFL's third leading returner, was added to the injury report on Friday with a knee injury.
Second O-line shift: The Packers lost starting center Corey Linsley to a back injury in the first half, causing starting left guard Elgton Jenkins to see his first meaningful NFL snaps at center. Rookie Jon Runyan replaced Jenkins at left guard.