Packers Place 3rd-Round TE Jace Sternberger on IR
By Adam Weinrib
Say goodbye to another draft pick from Green Bay's 2019 haul.
Tight end Jace Sternberger, the rookie out of Texas A&M who entered the preseason with high hopes attached, is likely to miss a big chunk of 2019 with an ankle issue, which has landed him in a walking boot. He was placed on the IR on Tuesday.
The Packers have placed rookie TE Jace Sternberger on IR, per source.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) September 3, 2019
Sternberger, who was fourth on Green Bay's tight end depth chart prior to the injury, behind Jimmy Graham, Marcedes Lewis, and Robert Tonyan, is eligible to return after Week 8.
The 23-year-old missed most of the preseason after suffering a concussion during Packers' joint practices. He appeared in the preseason finale against the Chiefs but picked up the knock after landing awkwardly in the second quarter.
The #Packers have put TE Jace Sternberger on injured reserve with an ankle injury. He will be eligible to return in eight weeks if the Packers want him back.
— Tom Silverstein (@TomSilverstein) September 3, 2019
Though Sternberger didn't get the opportunity to show out during the preseason, expectations were high prior to that; he's the highest Packers tight end selection since Bubba Franks (14th overall) in 2000.
Whether his Packers legacy begins to approach Franks' trio of Pro Bowls won't be determined until next season, pending a depth chart disaster in his wake.
With Jace Sternberger going to IR, signing ILB James Crawford back to the 53 is not an option for the #Packers. Crawford was claimed off waivers by the Dolphins. Believe @mattschneidman had that first.
— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) September 3, 2019
At A&M, Sternberger snagged 10 touchdowns and 832 yards in 13 games last season. To replace him on the depth chart, the Packers added Allen Lazard to the 53-man roster.