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Packers Elevate Rookie CB from Practice Squad as Nate Hobbs Remains Questionable for Week 1

GREEN BAY, WI — Hours before the opener against the Detroit Lions, the Green Bay Packers elevated a rookie cornerback from the practice squad as insurance for Nate Hobbs (knee), who remains a questionable on the injury report. Hobbs underwent a meniscus procedure about a month ago; after a DNP on Wednesday, he logged limited practices the next two days.

Team sources indicate the call-up is Micah Robinson (7th round, Tulane) — 6-foot, 184 pounds — who played 14 games last season with 2 interceptions (including one pick-six). If Hobbs can’t go, Robinson could dress as CB4, handling special-teams snaps and emergency nickel work.

In that scenario, Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine would likely start on the perimeter, with Bo Melton (converted from WR) and Robinson rotating in. To lighten the load on a thin secondary, the Packers plan to heat up the pocket with Micah Parsons, Rashan Gary, and Edgerrin Cooper, bracket Amon-Ra St. Brown, and keep a safety over the top against Jameson Williams.

Hypothetical quote from head coach Matt LaFleur on the cautious approach with Hobbs:

“Nate can play — that’s true. But as the head coach, I’m not turning that into a gamble. We’ll do what’s best for the Packers and for his future. If we don’t have absolute confidence after the final check, he won’t play, even if everyone wants to see him out there.”

The original purpose of the procedure was to ensure Hobbs returned fully healthy for the regular season and avoid lingering issues. Elevating the rookie from the practice squad is a prudent buffer, giving Green Bay roster flexibility without rushing a starting perimeter corner back too soon.

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