The Associated Press
The Green Bay Packers’ worst fears about the severity of receiver Jordy Nelson’s knee injury have come true.
The team said yesterday only that the star receiver suffered a “significant right knee injury” that would cost him the season.
Nelson, one of the top targets for NFL MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers, was injured Sunday in a pre-season game at Pittsburgh.
“It’s difficult to lose a guy like that in a meaningless game,” Rodgers said after the 24-19 loss to the Steelers.
Coach Mike McCarthy was hoping for better results from more tests on Nelson’s knee in Green Bay on the team’s’ off day yesterday.
But Rodgers’ sombre tone after the game foreshadowed the bad news for one of the league’s best offences.
The Packers, one of the top contenders in the NFC, will be without a play-maker who set career highs in receptions (98) and yards receiving (1,519) in 2014.
Nelson also had 13 touchdown catches last season and 43 over the last four.
He and Randall Cobb formed one of the top receiving duos in the league—each catching more than 90 passes last season.
Nelson also is one of the most respected veterans in the locker-room for his leadership and work ethic.
While limited during the off-season following minor hip surgery, Nelson often could be found with a play sheet in hand and offering tips to younger receivers.
The Packers have depth at receiver but lack experience after Cobb.
Promising second-year player Davante Adams, who has had a good off-season and training camp, moves up as the No. 2 receiver behind Cobb.
Rookie Ty Montgomery, who has impressed so far in practice, moves up to third receiver.
