10 Takeaways from Week 2 of the NFL preseason

Jordy Nelson’s Injury

This is a biggie. In a vacuum, this is something that could push the possibility of shortening the preseason to the front burner around the NFL. Preliminary reports indicate that Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson suffered a torn ACL in the team’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers Sunday afternoon. Nelson, one of the top receivers in the game, pulled up lame in an innocent looking play during the first half. After limping off to the sideline and chatting with trainers, the Pro Bowler was then jettisoned to the locker room.

With Nelson likely out for the season, Green Bay’s chances of winning the NFC took a considerable hit. Randall Cobb will be moved up to the No. 1 receiving role with Davante Adams taking over as the primary outside receiver. There’s little doubt that Adams, a second-year player from Fresno State, boasts a ton of upside. However, it’s absurd to believe that he will be able to replace the production Green Bay has seen from Nelson over the years. Last season saw the 30-year-old receiver catch 98 passes for over 1,500 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Outside of simple stats, Nelson’s absence will have a huge impact on Aaron Rodgers under center. The MVP has gone to him in a pinch a vast majority of the time over the years. Short of Rodgers acquiring a similar relationship with Adams, it’s likely the quarterback’s performance will also be impacted by this season-altering injury.