Jordy Nelson Loss Will Test That Green Bay Packers Depth

Jul 30, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson (87) talks to general manager Ted Thompson during training camp at Ray Nitschke Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

In a season that has been pegged Super Bowl or bust, the last thing the Green Bay Packers could afford was to lose one of their superstars in a meaningless game. Yet that is the risk all teams take and unfortunately this time they are the ones to pay the price. Pro Bowl wide receiver Jordy Nelson was seen limping off the field during the Packers’ second preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The diagnosis since then according to sources is the worst possible news.

The initial diagnosis on #Packers WR Jordy Nelson is a torn ACL, source said. Horrible news. Awaiting MRI results to confirm.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 23, 2015

This comes on the heels of what was his best season as a pro, catching 98 passes for 1,519 yards and 13 touchdowns. He was by far the favorite target of quarterback Aaron Rodgers and a nightmare for many defensive backs. With him gone it removes the best big body and pair of hands Green Bay had on the outside.

The burden of responsibility now falls to Randall Cobb, who just got a fat, new contract this off-season after a career year of his own. Beyond that experts will be anxiously watching to see if all that talk about how deep the Packers receiving corps is will turn out true. Davante Adams is sure to see more action after a decent rookie year and there are also Jeff Janis, Jared Abbrederis and Ty Montgomery who have something to offer as well.

None of them can replace what Nelson was to that offense, but a collective effort should be able to mask the absence for the most part. Regardless, this is a serious gut punch for Green Bay. The NFC North division is looking a lot stronger than last year, never mind the other top contenders in the NFC like Seattle and Dallas also improving.

This is life in the NFL. Time to see if they’re up to the challenge.

Next: Chicago Bears Stock Report: Preseason Week 2

More from NFL Mocks

Home/NFL News