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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.

Pittsburgh Steelers Reach Agreement with Safety Shilo Sanders, Pending Medical Evaluation Amid Personal Drama, per source
The Pittsburgh Steelers are adding intrigue to their practice squad plans, reaching an agreement with safety Shilo Sanders. The deal remains subject to a medical evaluation before it can be made official, leaving his status uncertain. Sanders, son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, brings both pedigree and baggage. Known for his ball-hawking instincts, he also carries a reputation for injuries and personal drama that have followed him throughout his career. Undrafted in 2025, Sanders signed with Tampa Bay and appeared in three preseason games. His stint ended abruptly after an ejection against Buffalo for unnecessary roughness, prompting the Buccaneers to waive him on August 24. Despite the setback, Pittsburgh sees potential value. Sanders collected 161 tackles, 11 interceptions, and six forced fumbles across 41 college games, with his 2023 season at Colorado highlighting his ability to create turnovers and lead a defense. The Steelers’ secondary has dealt with depth concerns, and Sanders’ versatility offers a possible solution. He can rotate at safety, provide nickel coverage, and contribute on special teams — all traits valued in Pittsburgh’s defensive culture. However, health remains the deciding factor. Sanders suffered an ACL tear in 2022 and missed time again in 2024 due to nagging injuries. Team doctors will determine whether his body can withstand NFL competition. Layered over the medical risk is the personal drama surrounding Sanders. Legal battles, financial trouble, and family headlines have raised questions about his focus, but the Steelers have a history of managing strong personalities. For Sanders, joining Pittsburgh would represent another opportunity to reset his NFL path. If he clears medical evaluation, he could find a stable environment to prove he belongs in the league despite the noise around him.