Packers Injury Update: Randall Cobb and Nick Perry Out; James Jones Could Play

Randall Cobb (18) lays on the ground after being injured in the second quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M

There was one clear message from Coach McCarthy’s Monday press conference following a tough, hard-fought win on the road against the Baltimore Ravens. The Green Bay Packers are dealing with injuries. A lot of injuries, in fact, and the team will continue to rely on the young players on the roster to step up and fill the void left by the attrition of the injury bug.

McCarthy has already ruled out Randall Cobb and Nick Perry for this week. Cobb left Sunday’s game early after taking a shot in the knee from Baltimore’s rookie safety, Matt Elam, on a slant route. The injury looked bad, and some feared could even be season-ending for the third-year receiver, but after having a MRI today, team doctors determined there wasn’t any serious damage to the knee and it shouldn’t require surgery to repair. The good news is that Cobb should return in a few weeks, according to Coach McCarthy, but the bad news is Green Bay is still down a receiver for at least the next several games.

With only have two healthy receivers on their roster, the Packers received some good news today that James Jones has a chance to return soon. The veteran receiver was taken to the locker room after injuring his knee early in the first quarter against Baltimore.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the injury isn’t as serious as it first appeared and Jones could even play this week.

Considering Green Bay will already be without Cobb against Cleveland, Jones potential return by Sunday is encouraging news. Even if Jones returns this week, the Packers will still only have three healthy receivers on their roster and will need to look for some more help at the position.

Some have speculated the Packers will call up rookie receiver, Myles White, from the practice squad or resign Jeremy Ross after letting him go a few weeks ago. Some have even suggested the Packers should bring back undrafted rookie Tyrone Walker or call Donald Driver out of retirement.

However, Schefter reported earlier today the Packers may look elsewhere.

King is a rookie fifth-round pick out of the University of Georgia and has good quickness and speed (4.47), but lacks ideal size for an NFL receiver (6-0, 189 lbs.). In 2012, he led the Bulldogs in receptions (47), receiving yards (705), and receiving touchdowns (eight). According to scouts, he can make defenders miss in the open field, but he also struggled with drops over his college career.

It’s hard to tell if any of these options are viable for the Packers. They may be just rumors, but often where there’s smoke there’s fire. In the very least, we know the Packers will bring in another receiver on the roster until at least Cobb can return.

In other injury news, the Packers will be without starting outside linebacker Nick Perry this week. Apparently, Perry injured his foot on the play where he sacked Joe Flacco and forced a fumble just before halftime. Perry did return later in the game for a few snaps, but he was limited for the rest of the contest.

According to the Green Bay Press Gazette‘s Wes Hodkiewicz, Perry’s injury isn’t too serious and his scratch for this week is more preventive than anything.

The second-year linebacker has really stepped up his game since Clay Matthews has been out. He’s recorded three sacks and two forced fumbles in the last two weeks rushing from the right side. Hopefully, Green Bay will only be without Perry for one week. In his place, undrafted rookie Andy Mulumba should get the start at outside linebacker against Cleveland.