Packers' 2024 Breakout Player: Luke Musgrave

Green Bay Packers sophomore tight end Luke Musgrave got better as his rookie season progressed despite missing sizable action due to injury. The No. 42 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft should play a large role in 2024. Musgrave appears primed for a breakout campaign.

Musgrave was immediately involved in the offense. The former Oregon State standout recorded three receptions for 50 receiving yards in Green Bay’s Week 1 victory over the Chicago Bears. Musgrave quickly became a security blanket for first-year starting quarterback Jordan Love.

Musgrave remained a factor, accumulating 25 and 49 receiving yards in his follow-up performances. The rookie wall was hit during a particularly lackluster midseason stretch for the Packers. Musgrave recorded between nine and 34 receiving yards in Green Bay's successive four contests, all of which were defeats.

Musgrave started coming on strongly before disaster hit. He scored his first career touchdown in a dominant 20-3 Week 9 win over the Los Angeles Rams via three catches and 51 yards. Musgrave followed that up with a season-high 64 receiving yards versus the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 10.

Musgrave suffered a lacerated kidney injury in a Week 11 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. The versatile playmaker had already racked up four catches when the injury occurred during the third quarter. Musgrave miraculously finished the contest but was later hospitalized and placed on injured reserve for the next six games.

The Packers eased Musgrave back into the lineup following his return. He caught one ball in a Week 18 win-and-in triumph over the Chicago Bears, helping his Packers clinch a playoff spot. Musgrave was then outstanding throughout the postseason.

Musgrave caught all three of his targets versus the Dallas Cowboys for 52 receiving yards and a touchdown in the wild-card round. He averaged an explosive personal-high 17.3 yards per reception (minimum three catches).  Musgrave helped the Packers become the first No. 7 seed in NFL playoff history to beat a two-seed, defeating the Cowboys 48-32.

Musgrave's 91.9 receiving grade between Week 18 and the divisional round led all tight ends, according to Pro Football Focus' grading system. He recorded three receptions versus the San Francisco 49ers in a 24-21 divisional round loss. All in all, Musgrave concluded his rookie season with 34 catches for 352 yards and one score.

Musgrave was effective and impactful despite suffering a significant injury that led to a lengthy stint on the sidelines. He should be confident heading into his sophomore season. If Musgrave remains healthy, he could easily double his receiving yards total in 2024.

Musgrave is comfortable in Matt LaFleur's offense. The Packers recently signed Love to a four-year contract extension worth $220 million. Continuity between Musgrave and Love should lead to an even stronger connection this season.

The Packers are entering the season with legitimate postseason aspirations after being considered overachievers in 2023. Love possesses a wealth of weapons at his disposal, but Musgrave is among the more reliable options. Musgrave will enjoy a breakout campaign.