The Green Bay Packers got a reassuring injury update after their 33-13 preseason win over the Denver Broncos.
Rookie cornerback Brandon Cisse exited Friday night’s game after feeling something in his knee while working as a gunner on punt coverage. The second-round pick was double-teamed on the play, went to the blue medical tent and later remained on the sideline.
But following the matchup, the concern had eased a lot.
“Nothing serious at all,” Cisse said, via Ryan Wood of the Green Bay Press-Gazette.
Cisse also said he “just got beat up a little bit” and wanted to return to the game, describing Green Bay’s decision to keep him out as precautionary. The rookie has pushed for a starting job during training camp and entered the Denver game with another chance to strengthen his argument.
The good news is that initial signs point to an injury scare rather than a setback that changes the Packers’ cornerback future.
Cisse Injury Comes During Growing Role With Packers
GettyPITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – AUGUST 13: Lew Nichols #35 of the Pittsburgh Steelers carries the ball in front of Brandon Cisse #2 of the Green Bay Packers during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium on August 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Cisse’s exit means something because of how quickly he has climbed since camp opened.
Packers.com reported on July 29 that Cisse was already taking first-team reps during the first practice of training camp while Keisean Nixon dealt with a hamstring injury. He continued to see opportunities with the top unit as Green Bay sorted through its outside cornerback rotation.
The Packers selected Cisse No. 52 overall in April, making him their top pick in a draft in which they didn’t own a first-round selection. The South Carolina product arrived as a talented but developing prospect, yet his summer has put him in the mix much earlier than a typical developmental timeline would suggest.
Packers.com noted again on Aug. 6 that Cisse had been working with the first-team defense as Carrington Valentine was sidelined. Head coach Matt LaFleur has also praised the rookie’s preparation and competitiveness during camp.
That context explains why a knee issue, even in a preseason game, would draw attention.
Green Bay has spent weeks evaluating whether Cisse can handle a significant role from the start of his rookie season, and luckily, his postgame comments welcomed relief about his injury.
Packers Can Keep Cornerback Competition Moving
Green Bay also has the advantage of staying cautious.
Acme Packing Company reported Cisse started opposite Nixon against Denver and played one of the first-team defense’s two drives before the injury. He later rode a stationary bike on the sideline, another good sign considering he never went to the locker room.
That approach matched what the Packers had done throughout the week.
Acme Packing Company noted several players who practiced stayed out against Denver, showing how willing the team has been to protect players during the preseason. There wasn’t much incentive to send Cisse back out after the first-half issue, especially with the regular season approaching.
Now the focus can shift from whether Cisse might miss time to how rapidly he can resume his competition for snaps.
Valentine remains in the mix, and Nixon gives Green Bay an experienced option on the other side. Cisse, however, has forced his way into contention through his work with the starters.
Even if the Packers choose to ease him back into practice, his injury message removes the biggest concern.
A longer absence would have interrupted valuable reps for a rookie trying to establish himself before Week 1.
Instead, Cisse left Denver with more first-team experience and an injury he believes is minor.
For Green Bay, that’s about as favorable an update as it could have received after seeing its top 2026 draft pick head toward the medical tent.
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