Nelson Hoping to Be at the Packers' Disposal Against the Bengals

Have you ever dealt with a charley horse? That's similar to how Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson's quad is feeling right now.

He removed himself after just seven offensive snaps in Sunday night's loss to the Atlanta Falcons, eventually revealing he was dealing with a quad injury that kept him out for the remainder of the game. Alternatively, he was still able to be a full-go for the Packers in Wednesday's practice, providing some hope that he may very well be able to play on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals.

"I'm doing stuff here, doing stuff at home, taking care of it," Nelson said on Wednesday. "You guys heard me talk about how great our training staff is and the stuff they do for us to get us back on the field. If it's after my ACL or little things like this, we have a process for it. If you go by that -- what you have here in the building, and you do it at home as well and take care of your body, you can get back pretty quick."

There's a possibility that the Packers could rest Nelson for the upcoming game or two. After the Bengals, they'll remain in Green Bay for next Thursday's Color Rush game against the rival Chicago Bears on a short week. However, against the Bengals, it would certainly help Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers to have Nelson at his disposal.

The Bengals' pass defense is ranked first in the NFL after two games -- and it isn't even close. They've allowed an average of 104.5 passing yards per game, and the next-closest team is the Carolina Panthers with 136.5.

While Nelson's status is in question, fellow receiver Randall Cobb is also on the Packers' injury report with a chest injury, rather than a shoulder like what was originally thought. MRI results on his shoulder came back negative on Monday. 

It's an injury report that runs 13 players deep, eight of which didn't practice in any fashion on Wednesday.

"It's a little disappointing because we came out of training camp so healthy and how quick it caught up with us," Nelson said. "Hopefully, we're getting it out of the way early, guys can get back healthy as soon as possible. It's obviously a long road, so a week here or there is worth it compared to another five or six on the road."

Jordy Nelson (87) catching a touchdown pass against the Seahawks in week one. (Jeff Hanisch/USA TODAY Sports)

Nelson has one of the highest catch rates on the team this season behind only running back Ty Montgomery, despite playing significantly less time than Montgomery. Of his eight targets, Nelson has caught seven (87.5 percent) including the touchdown in which Rodgers caught the Seahawks with 12 men on the field.

Once Nelson left the game against the Falcons, Rodgers became skittish in the pocket and his body paid for it. It seemed as if he was getting crushed on every dropback that he didn't get the ball out of his hands in under three seconds. The chemistry between Rodgers and Nelson is unmatchable, and once Cobb left the game with the originally diagnosed shoulder injury, the situation only worsened.

Could the Packers be in for the same disappointment against the Bengals? Likely not with a full week of preparation for this same scenario, but Nelson certainly wants to be on the field to prevent it regardless.

"My expectations are to play, but obviously, we don't know what could happen between now and then. That was my expectation when I came in here Monday morning as well."

Like his quarterback, Nelson has only faced the Bengals twice in his career -- once in 2009 and once in 2013. Both of which were losses within the first three weeks of the season.

Nelson wasn't a full-fledged receiving target in 2009 and more of a special teams asset. In 2013, however, Nelson caught eight passes for 93 yards and was more than established as the Packers' No. 1 receiver.

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Zachary Jacobson is a staff writer/reporter for Cheesehead TV. He's the voice of The Leap on iTunes and can be heard on The Scoop KLGR 1490 AM every Saturday morning. He's also a contributor on the Pack-A-Day Podcast. He can be found on Twitter via @ZachAJacobson or contacted through email at [email protected].

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Comments (31)

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NickPerry's picture

September 21, 2017 at 05:22 am

The Bengals played Baltimore and Houston, they SHOULD be ranked #1 for Christs sake. The Ravens already have 15 players on IR plus Burfect is suspended. Houston is starting a rookie QB with 6 quarters of NFL experience . They also played both games in Cincinnati so to be 0-2 they must be pretty bad offensively.

Having Nelson and Cobb would be nice but I'd rather see them as close to 100% as possible before putting them on the field. Put 2 TE's on the field and give the ball to Montgomery. Feed him the ball, play dink and dunk with the TE and RB's and they should be fine.

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dobber's picture

September 21, 2017 at 05:32 am

Cinci giving up more than 160 yd/game on the ground...against Houston and Baltimore, neither of which is a running juggernaut. As you say: all monty all day.

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SteveCheez's picture

September 21, 2017 at 06:55 pm

So, they don't give up much in the air because they are so easy to run on?

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dobber's picture

September 21, 2017 at 08:50 pm

I'm guessing partly that, and the fact that they played a terrible, terrible game against Baltimore (and Flacco missed virtually all of training camp), and against a first-time rookie starter from Houston at QB.

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RCPackerFan's picture

September 21, 2017 at 07:43 am

I honestly would rather rest Cobb. He is a tough @$$ dude, and will play through pain, but then his play on the field suffers. I'd rather rest Cobb and get him back as healthy as possible.

I would like to see more rotation of players this week. We have Adams, Allison that can take a lot of the reps. Add in Bennett and Kendricks. Also they can fill in with Davis/Janis if they need to.

Also I would like to see them not have Montgomery playing so many snaps. Its a long season and we need him for the duration. I'd like to see Jones get a few of his snaps.

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EdsLaces's picture

September 21, 2017 at 08:26 am

I'm with you. I don't care who takes his spot, but Monty needs rest. We all act like he's gonna handle this full workload like its no big deal, but he's not a totally safe bet imo. Do we not remember when he left the field for the last game? If he starts to limp off I go in full panic mode because the words I remember reading were Montgomerys ankle basically "exploded".

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RCPackerFan's picture

September 21, 2017 at 09:22 am

I would like to see some of Jones. Honestly Williams hasn't shown a ton yet. So why not let Jones have a chance. He was the best of the 3 rookie RB's in the preseason.

I love Montgomery, I just want to see him playing the whole season. Playing fewer snaps now would likely keep him fresher for the rest of the season.

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Archie's picture

September 21, 2017 at 04:43 pm

Bengals played two of the best defenses in the NFL and now they drop down to play the Pack. Opening spread was -10, now -8.5. Still very generous. Have to go with Bengals for the cover, maybe outright win on the moneyline.

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croatpackfan's picture

September 21, 2017 at 05:38 am

I say rest the main players to be ready for Chicago. Bengals have only 2 real threat - A. J. Green and RB (Bernard, Hill & MIxon), but if King will be able to cover A. J., Packers should not have problem with running game!

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dobber's picture

September 21, 2017 at 05:49 am

If Nelson is able to run and isn't going to reinjure himself, he needs to play. If there's one thing that Sunday, and all of 2015, taught us, it's that Nelson opens up the whole offense.

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Finwiz's picture

September 21, 2017 at 12:34 pm

Yeah I agree, these are pro athletes with training staffs and med personnel at their disposal. If they can run, they should play. You can't afford to take any of these teams lightly, as anybody can surprise you on a given Sunday, especially with 3-4 starters sitting down, particularly Daniels and Perry on defense.

If they don't want to play through a few bumps and bruises, they should get a nice cushy office and a desk job just like me. It pays alot less, but all you have to worry about is paper cuts and sitting too much. Far less hazardous to your health, in theory.

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SpudRapids's picture

September 21, 2017 at 09:05 am

"If they don't want to play through a few bumps and bruises, they should get a nice cushy office and a desk job just like me. It pays alot less, but all you have to worry about is paper cuts and sitting too much. Far less hazardous too your health, in theory."

Remember Nelson played against Atlanta with broken ribs last year

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Finwiz's picture

September 21, 2017 at 10:52 am

I totally understand, and I'm starting to realize you guys are right.
I'm not in ANY way questioning Jordy's toughness or commitment.
Everybody has injuries - everybody has issues.
The rules and the modern day way of training, and dealing with said "bumps and bruises" no longer seems recognizable in reference to the methods of the game in the Lombardi era.
They are going to ruin this game, destroy it.
I'm almost at the point where I won't be living and dying with every word, injury, situation and circumstance of the GB Packers.
I never thought it would get to this point, as I love this team so much.
They've been a part of my life for over 50 years.
The modern day game, and the issue with these injuries is a total JOKE IMO. A total joke. They've made this game into a joke.
Not just injuries, but the way they've changed what's a penalty and what isn't.
Bottom line - I'm not sure any of us should take this very seriously anymore. Nothing changes about the world just because the Packers win or lose. It's just entertainment, just like going to the movies or a concert.
Sometimes there's good movies, and bad concerts.
And 75% of the time there's going to be a stinker of a Packer game.
It's only a game, and it's all about perspective.
Mine is evolving.

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dobber's picture

September 21, 2017 at 01:03 pm

There's a lot of truth in here.

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SpudRapids's picture

September 21, 2017 at 05:12 pm

I think the CTE issues and player safety is causing teams and coaches to be way more conservative with players too. I think you see a lot of these guys playing 5 years ago even but player safety has been such a hot topic that I think teams are handling the injuries with more caution.

My opinion is that these players should get paid more than what they do and deserve every penny. I hate seeing the owners get tax subsidies to build stadiums and getting filthy rich on massive TV contracts when these players are destroying their minds and bodies while the owners profit. Now I love watching the game and these players know the danger but I agree with Finwiz the game is changing.

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SteveCheez's picture

September 21, 2017 at 07:01 pm

Can't verify it, but I love the story anyway.

A player limps off the field.

Lombardi: "What the hell are you doing?"

Player: "I think I broke my leg, Coach."

Lombardi: "Well, get the hell back in there 'til you're sure!."

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Since'61's picture

September 21, 2017 at 06:59 am

I would play Nelson even if it means we only use him as a decoy. As long as he is drawing coverage he helps open up the offense. If we build a lead of 10+ points we can rest him. Losing 2 home games to less than good teams doesn't say much for the Bengals. They may have the #1 pass defense thru the first 2 weeks but remember the Packers had the #1 run defense early last season and then reality struck against the Cowgirls.

A heavy dose of Monty, Adams, 2 TEs and maybe Cobb should work against the Bengals. Run Monty out of 2 TE sets with RIP as the lead blocker to chew up the clock once we have a lead. We're playing at home let's get some power football going and keep Rodgers clean and the ball away from Cincy. Thanks, Since '61

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Cartwright's picture

September 21, 2017 at 05:19 pm

I would like to describe the game plan you just mentioned, as the Ty Cobb offense, mean, nasty and tough. You heard it hear first. I hope we see a lot of it these next couple of games. Go Packers

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CAG123's picture

September 21, 2017 at 06:59 am

I'm not too sure about this one we've seen the dark side of putting players on the field that shouldn't be. If Jordy can go let him but if there's any doubt he should sit.

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RCPackerFan's picture

September 21, 2017 at 07:18 am

Going into this game I'd be very, very happy if they could have at least 1 between Nelson or Cobb. And If they can have at least 1 between Bakhtiari and Bulaga. With

Nelson and Bulaga being full participants yesterday, I think that bodes well for them playing Sunday.

Nelson is our top WR. His loss early in the game against the Falcons was a huge loss for the offense. Rodgers and Nelson are simply in sync with each other and know what the other one is doing.

If they can have Bulaga back that would be a huge upgrade for the OL. It would allow them to do things they weren't able to do last week.

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TarynsEyes's picture

September 21, 2017 at 08:44 am

Bengals haven't scored a TD as yet though they played teams with much, much better defense than ours...reality check. The Bears nearly beat Atl and we got roasted. How does this even come close to an assured win, especially when history has shown the Packers to be the bearer of gifts that teams need to end their dismal happenings.
Let's get the reasons in order:
Referees, injuries, play calling, dropped passes, oline protection.
I see a game being won on the last possession. ...not so sure it's the home team.

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dobber's picture

September 21, 2017 at 01:02 pm

There's no transitivity in sports.

The Packers will hang 40 on the Bengals at at least 30 on the Bears.

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Christopher Gennaro's picture

September 21, 2017 at 04:55 pm

Agree with the bengals, bears on a short week I don't see it, unless the defense scores.

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SpudRapids's picture

September 21, 2017 at 05:14 pm

You can't compare a Falcons team playing on that shotty field at soldier to playing in their brand new dome.

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SpudRapids's picture

September 21, 2017 at 09:06 am

I'd be more concerned with Nelson if it was a hamstring but quads tend be a little easier to deal with and don't get re aggravated as often.

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Andrew Lloyd Peth's picture

September 21, 2017 at 11:24 am

I agree. I think Jordy is safe to roll.

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Andrew Lloyd Peth's picture

September 21, 2017 at 10:52 am

Nelson will play.

Our offense is looking healthy enough to put up 30 points on Cinci--whose defensive rating looks as valid as ours after Seattle--but our defense would collapse without Daniels and Perry.

Will King cover Green? Sure, but folks, he'll take some lumps. Bet on it.

Naturally, I agree with those calling for more of Jones backing up Montgomery. We should have opened the season that way.

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Jon Lamson's picture

September 21, 2017 at 12:27 pm

They're gonna need Jordy dressed and ready on Sunday. If the Cincinnati secondary is as tough as they have been so far, we will need every weapon we have to do much good....especially given the fact that Cobb is banged up too.

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Lphill's picture

September 21, 2017 at 04:16 pm

I say rest him , Adams , Davis ,Allison , Bennett , Kendricks and Monty should be enough weapons for Rodgers .

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Christopher Gennaro's picture

September 21, 2017 at 04:57 pm

I pray for a Kendricks sighting, but my guess RR will be rolled out there, and Cinny responses with DT covering RR.

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stockholder's picture

September 22, 2017 at 07:40 am

Nelson is getting old. TT needs to draft a Wr to replace him. Not a # 2 ,3,4, or next man up. He's ready to retire. No one can take his place. It showed in the first 2 games! Regardless what the press says, and certain writers say. It time to package some picks, and move up for a #1 WR. Forget the develop crap now. Their not Jordy Nelson.

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