Logo

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.

48 views
49ers Fan-Favourite OL Faces Family Tragedy Ahead of Week 6 Game as Military-Trained Skydiving Instructor Dies in Nashville
San Francisco 49ers rookie offensive lineman Dominick Puni is mourning a devastating personal loss following the team’s Week 5 matchup, as his cousin Justin Fuller, a respected military-trained skydiving instructor, died in a tragic tandem jump accident near Nashville.Fuller, 35, was fatally injured after becoming separated from his parachute harness mid-air during a jump organized by Go Skydive Nashville. His student survived after landing in a tree with the parachute deployed and was later rescued by firefighters.Police confirmed Fuller’s body was recovered in a wooded area off Ashland City Highway. The Nashville Fire Department called it “one of the most complex high-angle rescues in recent years,” commending its personnel for the effort. Justin Fuller, known by the nickname "Spidey," died after a tandem skydiving jump went wrong on Oct. 4, 2025, near Nashville, Tennessee. (Facebook/Justin Fuller Spidey) Fuller, known affectionately as “Spidey,” had completed more than 5,000 jumps and trained U.S. military personnel in advanced aerial maneuvers. Friends described him as “fearless, focused, and committed to lifting others higher — both in life and in the air.” Puni, whose mother is the younger sister of Fuller's , grew up admiring his cousin’s discipline and sense of purpose. Family members say that influence helped shape his mental toughness and leadership on the field. A relative told local media, “Justin taught Dominick that strength isn’t about being unbreakable — it’s about standing firm when life hits hardest. That’s exactly how Dominick lives and plays today.” Puni, a rookie out of Kansas, has steadily earned the 49ers’ trust along the offensive line, praised for his physicality in the run game and poise in protection. Coaches describe him as “wise beyond his years.” The 49ers have privately offered support and time for Puni and his family, ensuring he can process the loss away from team obligations. Teammates have rallied behind him, honoring his family’s resilience and service background. The FAA is investigating the incident, while tributes to Fuller — under his nickname “Spidey” — continue to flood social media from military peers, skydivers, and fans nationwide. “He taught others to fly — now he’s flying higher than all of us,” one tribute read.