The Green Bay Packers returned defensive end Lukas Van Ness to practice on Thursday after a four-game injury absence.
Van Ness, a 2023 first-round pick, was in the early stages of a breakout third season when he injured his foot while sacking Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco in the second half of the Packers' Week 6 win at Lambeau Field. He has since missed games against the Arizona Cardinals, Pittsburgh Steelers, Carolina Panthers and Philadelphia Eagles.
Coach Matt LaFleur admitted last week that the foot injury has taken longer to heal than the team expected, but the return of Van Ness could provide a boost to the defensive front ahead of the stretch run.
“I think he's a really good player. You always want good players out there on the field,” LaFleur said Thursday. “His versatility is something that could give us a boost — his ability to play on the edge or kick down inside. We'll see how it goes today and see where he's at.”
Through five games, Van Ness had 16 pressures, 1.5 sacks and six quarterback hits across 148 defensive snaps. He was the team's primary backup behind Micah Parsons and Rashan Gary, and defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley also used him as an interior pass-rusher on obvious passing downs.
The Packers will practice again Friday before issuing a final injury report on Friday afternoon. Getting through a pair of practices without a setback or soreness will likely be required for Van Ness to play Sunday against the New York Giants.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Packers return DE Lukas Van Ness to practice after 4-game injury absence
