Luke Musgrave has seen this movie before where he is standing on the sideline in street clothes instead of in a uniform.

The Green Bay Packers tight end has missed the past five games after going on injured reserve with an ankle injury. Packers head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed the former Bend High and Oregon State Beavers’ star had surgery, but held out hope he will return to play in 2024.

“He will hopefully be back later this season,” LaFleur said.

Musgrave was the backup to Tucker Kraft on the depth chart, but the offense misses his speed and ability to stretch opposing defenses. The Packers’ second-round pick (No. 42) in the 2023 NFL draft, has caught just five passes (seven targets) for 22 yards prior to sustaining the injury during their 31-29 Week 4 loss to the Minnesota Vikings.

The Packers did not place Musgrave on injured reserve for a second time, which is reason for guarded optimism. The Packers have a bye week for Week 10, so the earliest Musgrave could return is Week 11 when they face the Chicago Bears on Nov. 16.

Musgrave posted a banner season in 2023, with 34 receptions (46 targets) for 352 yards and a touchdown in 11 games before he suffered a lacerated kidney in a 23-20 Week 11 win against the Los Angeles Chargers. He missed six games before returning to play in the final regular season game and two playoff games.