Green Bay Packers receiver Jordy Nelson is likely out for the 2015 NFL season with an ACL injury, meaning Aaron Rodgers is facing the biggest test of his already legendary career.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported on Nelson’s injury Sunday, noting an MRI is upcoming to confirm the initial diagnosis of a torn ACL.
Nelson has undoubtedly been the top receiving target for Aaron Rodgers and is a true No. 1 option. The past two seasons he has caught 183 passes for 2,833 yards with 21 touchdowns—elite numbers, by any standard.
He was coming back from hip surgery this offseason, and emotionally you have to imagine this was a tremendous blow.
The Packers can’t look back, though, with the regular season just weeks away. It’s next-man up territory in Green Bay, but the honest truth is the next man up cannot compare to Nelson, who is a top-five receiver in the NFL when healthy.
It’s worth noting the Packers still have a nice group of receivers at Rodgers’ disposal for the upcoming season. Davante Adams will now be front and center as the top outside receiving threat, while Randall Cobb will be featured heavily from the slot. Rookie Ty Montgomery will also contribute, as will tight end Richard Rodgers, who has been receiving plenty of hype this summer.
That said, the injury to Nelson was a huge blow to the Packers. It will not, however, sink the team’s Super Bowl aspirations.
What it will do is further demonstrate the magnificence of one Aaron Rodgers—last year’s MVP and the best quarterback in the league.
Like Tom Brady or Peyton Manning, Rodgers makes everyone around him better. His ability to diagnose defenses on the fly, change to favorable plays and then deliver strikes all over the field will keep Green Bay’s offense moving the chains and scoring points.
Look for the Packers to run plenty of no-huddle offense this upcoming season to take advantage of these outstanding strengths. Nelson’s injury hurt Green Bay, of that there is no doubt. On the flip side, his injury will only further etch into our minds the brilliance of Rodgers.