This offseason, the Green Bay Packers made the decision to move on from star corner Jaire Alexander. While fans understood the rationale for the move, everyone was concerned that Green Bay didn’t do much to replace Alexander.
The only real move the Packers made at corner was signing veteran Nate Hobbs. Unfortunately, Hobbs is now bringing the same concerns the team was trying to get away from with Alexander.
On Monday, it was announced that Hobbs underwent knee surgery over the weekend. According to Rob Demovsky of ESPN, the surgery was to repair a partial meniscus tear, and it isn’t expected to sideline the veteran defender that long. While Hobbs is expected to miss the rest of training camp, there’s a belief that he could be back in time for Week 1. But that’s not guaranteed, and his status for the season opener is now in question.
Nate Hobbs undergoes knee surgery and is expected to miss the rest of training camp
The Packers would love for Hobbs to be back for Week 1, because stakes will be high for Green Bay out of the gate, as the team will open against the Detroit Lions. Of course, the Week 1 outcome won’t determine the season, but it could have major implications.
The NFC North has a chance to be the toughest division in the league, so every game will be especially important. With all the possible tiebreakers that could come into play, Green Bay needs to be at its best when facing other NFC North teams.
If Hobbs isn’t available, the team certainly won’t be at its best. Again, the Packers released Alexander and signed Hobbs as the main replacement.
If Hobbs is sidelined when the regular season begins, Green Bay will start the year with a cornerback room of relatively unestablished players. That could provide a lot of problems for the Packers early in the year, so hopefully Hobbs will be ready to go.