Packers place Allen Lazard and Christian Kirksey on injured reserve

The Packers have placed wide receiver Allen Lazard and linebacker Christian Kirksey on injured reserve, keeping both out of the lineup for at least three weeks due to the altered injured reserve rules or this season. The team announced the moves this afternoon. No corresponding moves have yet been made to fill their spots on the active roster.

Lazard’s move was something of a foregone conclusion; he had surgery to repair an injured core muscle earlier this week. Though the recovery timelines for that particular injury vary widely, it generally takes no fewer than three weeks to come back on the shortest possible timeline. Lazard had been in the midst of a breakout year, compiling a team-leading 254 receiving yards so far this season.

Kirksey’s injury was initially reported as a shoulder issue, but the Packers’ injury report yesterday indicated he’s actually dealing with a pectoral injury. Injuries were the big concern with Kirksey when he was signed. He had only played in nine games the previous two seasons.