GREAT NEWS: Packers Star Cornerback Set to Return vs. Lions, per source
GREEN BAY, WI — A source indicates the Packers are trending toward having Nate Hobbs back on the field for Week 1 against the Detroit Lions. The 26-year-old corner returned to practice in a limited capacity this week after an early-August meniscus procedure, and team optimism has grown following his first on-field work since late July.
Head coach Matt LaFleur, asked about the plan if medical checks are cleared, offered a measured note of confidence:
“He’s recovering very well; if the numbers continue to check out, he can absolutely play in Week 1. At that point, I won’t be worrying about the outside-corner rotation anymore.”
Hobbs is expected to line up on the perimeter opposite veteran Keisean Nixon, with Carrington Valentine ready to shoulder meaningful work if needed. The staff has discussed a three-man outside rotation to keep legs fresh early in the season and to ease Hobbs back into full throttle without overloading his knee in Week 1.
The matchup makes his return timely. Detroit can stress coverages with Amon-Ra St. Brown’s route savvy, Jameson Williams’ vertical burst, and Sam LaPorta’s quick releases. Hobbs’ physicality at the line helps Green Bay disrupt timing on the boundary, while a planned blend of inside-out help and over-the-top support should cap explosives and force the Lions to stack longer drives.
The internal expectation, per the source, is a “pitch count” that can scale up or down based on how Hobbs responds during the game. Early series may feature shorter stints, with Valentine rotating in routinely; if Hobbs is comfortable planting and driving on in-breaking routes, the staff can incrementally expand his role as the night wears on.
All eyes now shift to the final injury report and the pregame recheck. If clearance arrives as anticipated, Green Bay’s secondary gains both depth and flexibility for the opener— and a valuable starter gets a smart, managed runway back to full speed.
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