Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson suffered a rib injury during the second quarter of the Green Bay-New York Wild Card game January 8. (Twitter)
Packers receiver Jordy Nelson suffered a major injury in Green Bay’s Wild Card round victory against the New York Giants.
Nelson’s status for the Packers’ NFC Divisional round game against the Dallas Cowboys was confirmed January 13, when coach Mike McCarthy said that the injury will sideline him. He is listed as OUT for the game, but the coach said the Packers remain “ready” regardless.
McCarthy said earlier in the week during a press conference — January 9 — that Nelson suffered two fractured ribs from the sideline hit to the midsection.
McCarthy added that Nelson’s status for the NFC Divisional round game against the Cowboys was still unclear. But he confirmed his OUT status just a few days later.
While he won’t play against the Cowboys, there is still hope Nelson will suit up if the Packers defeat Dallas and move onto the NFC Championship game January 22.
Jordy Nelson (ribs) won’t play today but there is legitimate hope that he could play… t.co/mlqtJx8KGE
Nelson has reportedly received an outpouring of support from teammates and fans throughout his rehab during the week. He even received a drawing from a 10-year-old Packers fan, who included writing a note of support with her name.
WR Jordy Nelson got this from a 10-year old Packers fan -“I hope your ribs feel better” t.co/Bc7LGnqI1y
After missing the entire 2015-16 season with a torn acl, Nelson returned to the field this season and started where he left off. Although it took him a bit to shake the rust, it hasn’t seemed like the ACL injury has altered his state of play much.
Prior to his injury, Nelson led the Packers’ receivers with 97 catches for 1,257 yards and 14 touchdowns. His 14 scores led the league during the regular season.
In Nelson’s absence, receiver Geronimo Allison figures to see additional time on the field.