The Green Bay Packers will have a familiar face back in the mix to start the 2016 campaign. After missing all of last year with a torn ACL, veteran receiver Jordy Nelson appears to be back in a major way.
“Due in part to surgical advancements and his own strong will, Nelson appears to be well ahead of the curve in his rehabilitation,” per Bob McGinn, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “Nelson even indicated on a national radio show in January that he might have been ready to play in the Super Bowl if the Packers had qualified.”
Aaron Rodgers’ stats show just how important Nelson is to Green Bay’s offensive attack. With a healthy Nelson in 2014, Rodgers threw for 4,381 yards. In 2015, he settled for 3,821, despite attempting 52 more passes.
Nelson’s 2014 season was his best. That year saw him catch 98 passes for 1,519 yards, both career highs. He also added 13 touchdowns, second only to the 15 he caught in 2011. The receiver also went over the 1,000-yard mark in 2011 and 2013
Nelson is important not only because of his pass-catching ability, but also because of the attention he draws from opposing defenses. When Nelson is on the field, receivers like Davante Adams and Randall Cobb generally have far more room to operate.