One of the Green Bay Packers key signings this free agency was a fifth-year cornerback. The Las Vegas Raiders no longer had interest in keeping around their 2021 5th round pick.
Knowing defense was going to be a priority this season, the Packers jumped on signing the 26-year-old. A four-year, $48 million deal was agreed upon. Now, Packers fans are holding their breath after a less than ideal injury update.
Brian Gutekunst Confirms Nate Hobbs Will be Out for Awhile
The exact injury timeline wasn’t confirmed, but Hobbs is trending not to practice for the next few weeks. Ahead of the eagerly anticipated Packers Family Night, Gutekunst broke the news on Nate Hobbs injury.
“He’s gonna be working through some things over the next couple weeks,” the Packers GM said.
A knee injury is what’s currently holding Hobbs back. With the Packers first preseason game on August 9, it seems unlikely that he’ll suit up. At this point, even their second game on August 16 isn’t looking good.
Green Bay’s preseason comes to a close at home on August 23. If Hobbs is able to go for one or two series, that would be more than enough to raise the hope of the Packers faithful. Knowing the Detroit Lions are waiting in the season opener, Hobbs health is the number one priority as he’s a critical part of this defense.
If there’s one thing that can be said about Hobbs so far, it’s his drive. He’s clearly passionate about the game, too passionate some would say at this point in time. Head coach, Matt LaFleur, had to talk to Hobbs on a few occasions about toning it down at practice.
Many thought he was responsible for the MarShawn Lloyd injury, but that proved not to be the case. Regardless, he’s been in the news quite a bit for his aggressive style of play. Now, Hobbs is one of many players on the team dealing with an injury of his own.
Packers CB Depth Already Being Tested
Even though Xavier McKinney came away with eight interceptions last season, he can’t carry the team. It’s going to take more than one elite defensive player to make a difference this season. The Packers schedule isn’t easy, but Jeff Hafley has done everything in his power to prioritize defense.
Hobbs will line up with McKinney, Evan Williams, and Keisean Nixon. The Illinois graduate has struggled to remain healthy throughout his career, playing only 11 games last season. He’s only started 16 games once, followed by an 11 game season, and then 13 games in 2023.
ESPN lists Javon Bullard as the next man up behind Hobbs. Kalen King will have some opportunities to impress this year as well as he enters his second year on the team. Bullard recorded 90 tackles last season as the Packers No. 58 overall pick in the 2024 draft.
The 22-year-old played in 15 games, recording almost double the amount of tackles that Hobbs (49) had. His experience sets him ahead of Bullard, but it’s clear that Bullard is hungry for an increased role if Hobbs continues to be held back by injuries.
