Packers can activate Andrew Quarless from short-term IR this week

With Ty Montgomery and Jared Abbrederis still on the mend, and Davante Adams suffering an apparent re-injury of his ankle on Sunday, the Green Bay Packers could use all the pass-catching help they can muster. At least in theory, they could get some assistance this week, as tight end Andrew Quarless becomes eligible to return from short-term injured reserve.

Quarless sprained his MCL during the third week of the season, a serious knee injury but not one typically regarded as season ending. Green Bay made the decision to use their lone short-term IR designation to keep Quarless available for some time later this season. Now roughly eight weeks removed from the move, the tight end can finally return to the field this week for the team's Thanksgiving showdown with the Chicago Bears.

However, while now eligible, it does not appear likely that Quarless rejoins the Packers this week. He has yet to participate in practice, something he could have done over the last two weeks. That seems to indicate that Quarless still hasn't fully recovered from his injury. As such, the tight end may not return until the following week's game against the Detroit Lions or perhaps even later. If he has suffered a significant setback, the team may keep him on injured reserve the rest of the season.

But for now, the Quarless watch can officially begin.