Packers: Randall Cobb injury gives young receivers an opportunity

GREEN BAY, WI - DECEMBER 23: Randall Cobb #18 of the Green Bay Packers is pursued by Terence Newman #23 of the Minnesota Vikings during the first half at Lambeau Field on December 23, 2017 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WI - DECEMBER 23: Randall Cobb #18 of the Green Bay Packers is pursued by Terence Newman #23 of the Minnesota Vikings during the first half at Lambeau Field on December 23, 2017 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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Randall Cobb’s injury gives the Green Bay Packers’ young wide receivers an opportunity at training camp.

Michael Cohen of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported Monday that Randall Cobb has an ankle injury and may miss the start of training camp next month.

According to Cohen, Cobb has been wearing a walking boot, but should be fine for the Green Bay Packers’ regular season opener against the Chicago Bears on September 9.

This is a setback for both Cobb and the Packers, but it gives the young receivers on the roster a great opportunity to show what they can do.

As long as he’s healthy for the start of the season, Cobb will be fine. Missing a part of training camp isn’t ideal, but he’s experienced and talented enough, and it shouldn’t be an issue.

But while he’s off the field and recovering, head coach Mike McCarthy will be able to get a good look at the younger receivers on the roster.

Draft picks J’Mon Moore, Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Equanimeous St. Brown will look to prove they can become key contributors right away. Michael Clark, DeAngelo Yancey and Trevor Davis will also be competing for a spot on the 53-man roster and more playing time.

Geronimo Allison is another player to watch. Allison is the frontrunner to start on the outside opposite Davante Adams. With Cobb out, Allison will have the perfect opportunity at practice to show he’s ready to take on a bigger role this season.

If Cobb does miss time, it’s unclear who the Packers would use in the slot. Maybe receiver/running back Ty Montgomery could spend some time there.

The good news here is that Cobb’s injury doesn’t sound too serious. The Packers don’t begin training camp for another month — the first practice is on July 26 — so he has time to recover. The team can’t afford to lose him for any significant time during the season.

Assuming Cobb misses the start of training camp and is eased back into action, the young receivers on the roster will get an opportunity to impress.

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Right now, there isn’t much information on Cobb’s injury. We’ll learn more as training camp gets closer.