Once Jordy Nelson sustained a season-ending ACL injury, the Green Bay Packers had a serious problem. When Randall Cobb exited the team’s preseason outing last Saturday, the term “worst-case scenario” started to creep into football minds everywhere.
However, Cobb’s injury was revealed to be minor, and according to Ryan Wood of the Green Bay Press-Gazette, the wide receiver isn’t planning to miss any regular-season action.
#Packers WR Randall Cobb on chances of playing in opener: "I don't plan on missing a game. I'm going to do everything I can to get back."
— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) September 1, 2015
Cobb is undoubtedly one of the NFL’s premier slot receivers, and a Week 1 return would provide a much-needed boost to a Super Bowl contender that’s only suffered setbacks during the preseason.
Yes, the Packers only play the Chicago Bears—a franchise currently in the rebuilding process—and reigning NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers could carry Green Bay to a victory. However, behind Nelson and Cobb, the Packers’ receiving unit is collectively unproven.
Rodgers would be relying on Davante Adams, Ty Montgomery and Jeff Janis to shoulder the receiving load, which while doable, certainly isn’t an optimal scenario for the green and gold.
In seven career appearances against the Bears, Cobb has tallied 23 receptions, 410 yards and five touchdowns. Last season alone, he shredded Chicago for 10 catches, 185 yards and three scores.
The Packers open the year on Sep. 13 at 1 p.m. ET, and Green Bay hopes Cobb will be ready to continue where he left off in 2014 against the rival Bears.