Jordy Nelson tore his ACL during a preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Green Bay Packers wide receiver remains stunned at the season-ending injury.
According to Ryan Wood of the Green Bay Press-Gazette, Nelson believes the career-altering event was nothing more than a fluke.
“It’s just honestly bad timing. When you plant and you turn and you explode and put force into it, if you do it I guess at the exact wrong time, it tears. It’s crazy how the body works. It’s crazy that you can make that move a gazillion times over 18 years of playing football — and probably more harsher moves than that — and be fine. Or take a hit and be fine.”
Nelson will undergo surgery, but as long as his recovery follows the typical, he’ll be ready for the 2016 season.
However, whether or not the ACL tear will affect Nelson’s elite cutback is a massive question. The Kansas State product has an uncanny ability to avoid safeties after the catch by side-stepping the approaching defender, then showcase his blazing speed toward the end zone.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers can make Green Bay’s receivers better, but it’s impossible to replicate Nelson’s impact. He racked up 98 catches, 1,519 yards and 13 touchdowns last season.
The Packers will rely on a combination of Jeff Janis, Ty Montgomery and Jared Abbrederis to fill the void, while Randall Cobb and Davante Adams will occupy larger roles as the Nos. 1 and 2 receivers.