Randall Cobb ruled out for Sunday's game against the Lions
Davante Adams is expected to practice on Saturday and could go Sunday with an injured calf.
By PackerAaron
Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy ruled out wide receiver Randall Cobb for the second week in a row.
Cobb injured his hamstring last Wednesday and missed the Packers’ shutout win over the Buffalo Bills. He worked in the rehab group this week but hasn’t practiced. He won’t practice Saturday and will be inactive Sunday when the team travels to Detroit to take on the Lions.
Meanwhile, fellow wideout Davante Adams is expected to practice on Saturday and has a chance of playing against the Packers division rivals.
Yet another wide receiver, Geronimo Allison, looks like a long shot to play on Sunday. He remains in the concussion protocol heading into the weekend and has not practiced all week.
Looks like it's time for the training wheels to come off the team's three rookie wide receivers.
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Comments (78)
GBPDAN1
October 05, 2018 at 12:18 pm
Having our top 3 WRs injured going into a divisional road game is troubling. Let's hope Rodgers and the Rookies can jell for 4 hrs Sunday if the others can't go. We need this win to hang with the Bearlys as they have an easier schedule.
Savage57
October 06, 2018 at 08:24 am
Randall Cobb.
Mr. Glass.
Rossonero
October 06, 2018 at 09:09 am
Wrong. I don't know how or why people keep pushing this myth or are allergic to facts, but Cobb has historically been very durable.
From 2011-2017, he played in 96 of 112 games, an 86% rate of availability.
Obviously this year he's off to a bad start and the writing is on the wall for his departure by Gutekunst drafting 3 WRs, but nevertheless, he's been a helluva a lot more durable than some of these other guys we've had.
Tundraboy
October 05, 2018 at 10:32 am
I don't welcome injuries at all ,but perhaps this will force MM to use Monty and even Jones more in the passing game. Let's hope. Always thought they should use Montgomery in the same role that they used Cobb out of the backfield.
Since'61
October 05, 2018 at 11:03 am
We can go with Monty in Cobb’s spot, Mercedes Lewis at TE and Graham and MVS as our WRs. If Adams can go we can rotate him with MVS.
Cobb will be missed against a division rival. Hopefully Jones will get the additional touches as a result of Cobb’s absence.
When the draft comes around in 2019 we need to focus on restocking our offense with some of our early draft picks. Too many years of drafting defense has left us without top quality WRs for Rodgers.
For now, I think that we have enough to get past the Lions this week, especially if our defense shows up again like last week.
Go Pack Go! Thanks, Since ‘61
splitpea1
October 05, 2018 at 12:57 pm
NO! We have to keep drafting high for defense until we get it right. You know at least one OLB is going to be taken. If we're going to spend a high pick on offense, I would rather it be for some quality insurance or replacement on the right side of the O-line. We drafted these receivers for a reason, and now is the perfect time to get at least one of them some meaningful action. D. Driver was a seventh round pick, and that didn't work out too badly, did it?
What would make us both happy is a draft like the Steelers had in 1974: two HOF receivers and a LB. Dream on.
Since'61
October 05, 2018 at 03:19 pm
I agree that we need an OLB and some OL help but it would be nice to add a game break receiver to our WR corp with one of our 2 first round picks. We're not going to find those game break type of WRs in the middle to later rounds.
Yes, Driver worked out fine but he wasn't a game break receiver. I'm talking an OBJ or an Antonio Brown type of player. We have not had that since Greg Jennings. Thanks, Since '61
dobber
October 05, 2018 at 04:01 pm
I would argue that Greg Jennings wasn't in the same category as an OBJ or Antonio Brown.
How they attack the deficiencies on this team will have a lot to do with what they can find in FA and who emerges (or who declines) over the course of the next 15 games.
Since'61
October 06, 2018 at 08:33 am
Dobber - I take your point about Jennings but he was the closest we've had to a breakout WR unless we want to go all the way back to Sterling Sharpe and/or James Lofton. Thanks, Since '61
Tundraboy
October 06, 2018 at 08:49 am
Yes sir. Lofton was my favorite Packer receiver ever. Can't remember him ever dropping a pass. The best I have ever seen.
Ryan3468
October 05, 2018 at 10:23 pm
These kids need a shot before we already talk about their replacements. Might have some decent youth at wide receiver and they are just sitting on a shelf. Time to dust those jars off and see what they can do. Also why can’t we run the call more? Now is the time. Play defense, run the ball, and maybe throw it twenty times. That would look real good. Especially with a win against a division rival.
Since'61
October 06, 2018 at 08:35 am
I would be fine with the approach that you are recommending to play defense, run the ball and throw 20 times. Regrettably, the Vince Lombardi era is over and has been for a long time now. Thanks, Since '61
Royalty Free GM
October 06, 2018 at 04:46 am
You know we are in a very bad position when we start dreaming about getting players like A Brown or D Driver in 6-7th rounds! Those players are ‘once in a 30 years per team’ type of players (draft position vs. value).
Bearmeat
October 05, 2018 at 11:09 am
It's time to say it:
Randall Cobb is old and bad. Green Bay would have been better off cutting him and finding another, cheaper, younger, just as not-sucky-average, not-hurt-as-often, slot WR.
RCPackerFan
October 05, 2018 at 11:11 am
Wrong.
Bearmeat
October 05, 2018 at 11:31 am
Some evidence for your statement, RC?
RCPackerFan
October 05, 2018 at 11:32 am
no, i just wanted to say wrong lol.
Bearmeat
October 05, 2018 at 11:34 am
fake news. lol. ;)
RCPackerFan
October 05, 2018 at 11:46 am
I do disagree with the bad part. He did have 1 really bad game.
Through the first 3 games (that he played in).
He has 17 receptions for 194 yards and 1 TD. (an 11.41 average per catch).
Now he has the 75 yard TD catch that makes his average go up, but you can't take it away.
His value has been as Rodgers security blanket. The game against Washington was just a bad game for him.
But he brings veteran leadership and experience. He showed on his 75 yard run he can run. He is a key piece to the offense. It will help the offense when he can come back.
Bearmeat
October 05, 2018 at 11:49 am
I'm over the "security blanket" stuff. Rodgers is Zeus, let him figure it out. Cobb scares no one anymore, and hasn't since 2015.
I'd rather see a bunch of catches on 3rd and 13 for 1st downs than a 75 yard TD...
RCPackerFan
October 05, 2018 at 12:00 pm
Except for that 75 yard td won us the game. :)
Bearmeat
October 05, 2018 at 12:25 pm
Yeah, that's true. But that's like a homerun in baseball. Lots of fun and awesome when they happen, but singles win the most ball games.
RCPackerFan
October 05, 2018 at 12:36 pm
True. But that game winning Home Run is one of the most exciting plays to see.
Daren726
October 05, 2018 at 01:35 pm
He has sure hands 99% of the time, he and Rodgers are inside each other’s heads, and he is trusted. He still gets open mostly, and knows how to run open when Rodgers scrambles. These are things that can’t be replaced overnight. I think he is still a huge asset. Not a liability at all.
RCPackerFan
October 05, 2018 at 01:50 pm
Agreed!
dobber
October 05, 2018 at 01:28 pm
Not anymore. That's part of what's wrong with baseball.
RCPackerFan
October 05, 2018 at 02:03 pm
Chicks dig the long ball...
Bearmeat
October 05, 2018 at 02:22 pm
Must...self...censor... ;)
EdsLaces
October 05, 2018 at 03:56 pm
You 2 are funny lol
Tundraboy
October 05, 2018 at 05:49 pm
Cobbs effectiveness was that much more because we had Jordy and also how he is used, but he's a slot receiver and we need another wide receiver. Maybe we have one already.
Thegreatreynoldo
October 06, 2018 at 09:49 am
We needed to cut either Cobb or Jordy to get some cap space. Cutting Jordy freed up the money to sign Graham and Tramon Williams. I thought Jordy could play the slot at a high level and provide some insurance as a boundary WR. I thought we should cut Cobb and sign Jordan Matthews at $1M plus $700K in incentives to play the slot receiver position. Matthews got hurt but now is back and playing for Philly, where he has 77 receiving yards in two games. The jury is still out on Jordan Matthews. Since I have no plans to re-sign Cobb, the age difference btw Cobb and Jordy wasn't a factor for me.
Being cap-obsessed I wanted to cut both Jordy and Cobb, but a few posters noted that leaving AR with just Adams as a trusted receiver would be too much (Allison was always on the bubble for me and Adams' concussion history was more concerning to me than it apparently was to others). So I changed my mind. I choose to cut Cobb, but cutting Jordy has worked out so far.
stockholder
October 06, 2018 at 10:16 am
Cobb is doing just what Nelson did last year. The writing is on the wall and Cobb won't sign here like Nelson. I also believe they won't be able to sign Dix. CMIII is regarded as COMING ON AGAIN. It's to bad the packers may try and low ball both when other teams will be quick to sign them. The packers should sign Dix or CMIII now. We see negativity. The NFL is seeing everything positive about them. And look how teams are signing veterans when they have holes. It may not sit well with some. But Gute should sign them with club options. Don't low ball them.
Rossonero
October 06, 2018 at 09:40 am
While he hasn't lived up to his contract, from 2011-2017, he has played in 96 of 112 games to refute how often he's injured.
I do agree that it's time to move on though.
PackfanNY
October 05, 2018 at 11:18 am
It seems that a few of the Packer injuries occur in practice. I often wonder if guys aren't getting hurt during the game and either don't notice or don't tell until the next week. I have no idea but maybe they should be taking a look at how they practice during the week?
RCPackerFan
October 05, 2018 at 11:25 am
I am assuming Cobb's hamstring pull is a more severe one. Not just a tweak. So I don't expect to see him until after the bye week.
In that time I hope we start seeing some different things done. I'd like to see ESB get some opportunities in the slot. He was working there in preseason and was pretty effective.
I'd also like to see them using Montgomery in a tweener role more. Having him play with Jones and have him slide into the slot (essentially taking Cobb's role).
This to me is a good time to get the younger players some playing time.
I hope Adams can play. That will at least take the pressure off the young players some.
Bearmeat
October 05, 2018 at 11:33 am
I agree about Monty in the slot. I think Aaron Jones needs to be the bell-cow at this point, and Monty is better as a slot WR than anyone else available.
I do not agree about ESB. I don't think any of the rookies are ready, and do not want to feature them until they are, unless there are truly no other options. I do think that MVS outside is something we need to develop - as we don't have a deep threat on the offense.
RCPackerFan
October 05, 2018 at 11:56 am
While I want Jones to be the guy and Jones is by far the best RB, I don't want to over use him either. I was good with the amount of snaps they had in the last game.
I would like to see him get around 15 touches per game. I think that is a good amount.
I disagree about ESB but that is the difference of opinions.
This is using the rookies while they are short of the veterans.
Its time to see what they have in the rookies.
MVS has already shown why he is getting more playing time. Time for the other rookies to show what they can do.
Bearmeat
October 05, 2018 at 12:01 pm
How often do rookie WRs drafted on day 3 make a difference in their first years? More than they used to, but it's still very, very rare. I think if you rely on the rookies (again, unless there is no other option), what you're going to get is more sacks, because ARod doesn't trust them. And then some picks.
sonomaca
October 05, 2018 at 12:07 pm
Tough task for offense this week. I’m beginning to think loss because Packers have never been able to shut down Tate and Jones. And, now add Golladay and RB Johnson to the mix. Detroit’s going to put up 30+.
sonomaca
October 05, 2018 at 12:14 pm
Also, with Slay taking care of a limited Adams, who’s going to be the target? Graham has a knee problem. Kendrick’s isn’t reliable.
dobber
October 05, 2018 at 01:29 pm
Graham hasn't practiced mid-week since he hurt that knee in Seattle a couple years ago. It's just 'veteran rest'.
Oppy
October 05, 2018 at 01:57 pm
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but Jimmy Graham isn't reliable either, if you're talking about catching passes. Yes, he's big and fast and a mismatch that defenses have to respect, but he's a high volume weapon- to get meaningful results, you have to feed him the ball a lot, because he drops a ton of passes.
Oppy
October 05, 2018 at 12:21 pm
This is quite literally an entirely new corps of cornerbacks, in an entirely different system, run by a new defensive coordinator than Tate and Jones have faced in the past. I don't think there's much that translates from past meetings to the present. Doesn't mean we'll be more or less successful, but it means we probably don't have a measuring stick to make any meaningful predictions at this point. Just have to watch the game and find out.
dobber
October 05, 2018 at 01:31 pm
Tate pisses me off.
I'm sure that by the time we get to 4 pm on Sunday, he'll have pissed me off more. I'm just hoping I'll be feeling good about the game, though.
More athletic CBs and talented CBs. I'm hoping that makes a difference.
Bearmeat
October 05, 2018 at 02:22 pm
Tate is a douchnozzle. This is not arguable. He's also an excellent WR. Dammit.
dobber
October 05, 2018 at 02:30 pm
And the award for use of the word 'douchnozzle' in a general blog discussion goes to...
<<tearing paper>>
Bearmeat!!!
Bearmeat
October 05, 2018 at 04:02 pm
I also use it in faculty meetings....maybe this is my problem? ;)
RCPackerFan
October 05, 2018 at 12:42 pm
That is the problem right now. They basically have no other option at WR right now.
They have options in the offense. But now is the perfect time to get ESB and Moore on the field. They need to get experience.
ESB provides a big target. Find ways to use that!
I don't want this becoming 2015 when they have no starting WR's left in the playoffs and we have to rely on 3 rookies to try and save the season. Get these guys experience throughout the season. So if injuries strike again, they will be ready!
dobber
October 05, 2018 at 01:35 pm
It's very unusual for the Packers to declare a player like Cobb out so far in advance of the game. Sure, he hasn't practiced this week, yet, but it's tipping their hands in a way that they usually don't like to do.
I've been saying for awhile that I thought J'Mon Moore was a natural for the slot. We'll see who plays there come Sunday. I'm actually betting on Graham more than anyone else (assuming Adams is limited).
RCPackerFan
October 05, 2018 at 02:01 pm
Definitely. Thats why it leads me to think this is a longer term injury.
I can see Graham in the slot more.
ESB was used a lot in the slot during the preseason. Thats why i think he will be used there. He is a bit of a mismatch there too. Most slot CB's are shorter making him a big target.
Skip greenBayless
October 05, 2018 at 03:48 pm
I agree RC. It's time we feed these 3 rookie receivers to the Lions and see if they can survive. We have no other choice.
dobber
October 05, 2018 at 12:16 pm
I want to echo this sentiment: forcing these players to drink from the firehose when they're not ready for it is a recipe for disaster. If these guys are going to play a lot of snaps this week--and it's starting to sound like they are--my hope is that the game plan will reflect that and that the offense will be geared toward the things they can do: not asking them to try to replicate the aptitudes and skill sets of the players ahead of them on the depth chart. Maybe it's bombs away week in Detroit. But I think we see a lot of Graham and Monty, and a lot of called runs.
Bearmeat
October 05, 2018 at 12:27 pm
That's our recipe for success I think this week. If Jones get over 120 yards from scrimmage we win. If not, I'm not sure we'll score more than 20.
The CBs are much better, but DET's OL is very good. I don't expect any pressure from 1v1's - manufactured pressure only. And Stafford is a savvy vet - he's going to find those holes.
Doug Niemczynski
October 05, 2018 at 05:59 pm
This game just got very confusing! Its time for the rookies to RISE UP!!!
RCPackerFan
October 05, 2018 at 12:45 pm
That is the key. How they use the players. Put these guys in situations that they are good at. Use their strengths.
I'm not saying these guys will be relied on for the whole season. But we probably need them this week.
I don't think we see all the rookies for 50+ snaps. But when they are on the field I want to take advantage of the skills they have.
Oppy
October 05, 2018 at 12:55 pm
The flip side is Rodger's pinching the hose off and then after the game we wonder why the offense looked so sluggish when there were a bunch of thirsty WR's running around looking for a drink of water.
Skip greenBayless
October 05, 2018 at 03:56 pm
Agree Oppy. Aaron Rodgers is a stats guy and simply will not force throws that lead to possible interceptions. He has to be going crazy right now at the thought of one, two or all three of his rookie receivers not running the right route and seeing two to four int's on his stat sheet. Yeah, I think you'll see a lot of no. 33 this week. He'll lead the team in rushing AND receiving I bet. If you are in fantasy buy buy buy Aaron Jones.
fastmoving
October 05, 2018 at 11:34 am
in my mind we have a good receiving corps and that includes the TEs. and if we have the best QB, he should be able to make them look good, no matter whats his trust is telling him. I think thats an era where AR is not the GOAT and I dont have any idea why…..
Other than that, Im not sure if he will get ever much better offence personal if he got 20 percent of the SC. Even if you have relativ inexpensive rookies.
Im not afraid of the Lions and see it as a good thing if AR and MM is forced to use the Rookies, all of them. So AR has to throw to one of them at least. Could not be much worse than the veterans.
Doug Niemczynski
October 05, 2018 at 12:51 pm
Were screwed.
Especially, with Rogers not throwing the ball that acurately and he HAS to have receivers run perfect routes and they dont use M.Lewis and J. Graham has knee injury and MM play calling has been questionable.
Doug Niemczynski
October 05, 2018 at 12:55 pm
Were going to have DEPEND HEAVILY on the run game , defense and special team's. It is going to be a tough game. What is with getting hurt in practice? My lordy same problems every year. When i was 22_25 i was a freaking rubber band. I never got hurt.
Oppy
October 05, 2018 at 12:56 pm
Probably no reason to watch the game.
Doug Niemczynski
October 05, 2018 at 01:00 pm
Unfortunately, Rogers is NOT the best QB!! Only, because he has missed so much practice time because of the knee injury as his passes have been slightly off.
If he can get healthy and get every practice in well then he is the best QB.
Skip greenBayless
October 05, 2018 at 04:06 pm
Screwed? Man I have to tell you Doug, I am sooo looking forward to this game. I think most here are so bored of this predictable offense that deep down they want to see something different perhaps even exciting emerge due to these wr injuries. Starting three rookie receivers and putting Rodgers into his ultimate personal discomfort zone is kind of exciting. The only one screwed here is the fan who doesn't watch this game. Fun times ahead this Sunday!! Rodgers, Jones and three rookie receivers!! Doesn't get much better than that.
JerseyAl
October 05, 2018 at 06:31 pm
Doug, I see your special brand of chicken little non-stop negativity has found its way back to our humble little site. Just letting you know you are on a short leash. Looking for you to contribute to the discussion here in a more reasoned tone.
Doug Niemczynski
October 06, 2018 at 08:43 pm
I did a thumbs up !!
Doug Niemczynski
October 06, 2018 at 08:45 pm
Yes sir !! I appreciate it !! I'm on parole with good behavior!!
scullyitsme
October 05, 2018 at 12:59 pm
The rookies may not be polished yet but they are big fast and can run. A smart coach would use that. Lots of small ball with the run game, dump passes, then play action go routes is what I see coming.
Doug Niemczynski
October 05, 2018 at 01:07 pm
They may have to bring Yancey in from the practice squad. and put Ty in the slot and HAVE to use BOTH M. Lewis and J. Graham ...Yes MM!! Your going to have to pass the ball to BOTH of them. Send MVS deep...And it is time for L. Kendricks to have a BIG GAME or CUT HIM!! It is time to CATCH THE BALL !!
Daren726
October 05, 2018 at 01:40 pm
Just out Tonyan in instead of Kendrick’s. Problem solved
Doug Niemczynski
October 05, 2018 at 02:12 pm
i agree but lets give Kendricks one last shot.
sonomaca
October 05, 2018 at 03:56 pm
Nah. He’s had more than a year. Nada.
If you’re going all rookie weapons this week, why not at TE.
dobber
October 05, 2018 at 04:29 pm
It's expecting a lot to say that a UDFA who hasn't caught a pass in regular season action is going to solve many problems.
Doug Niemczynski
October 05, 2018 at 05:51 pm
that is true. i would go with Kizer!!
Doug Niemczynski
October 05, 2018 at 05:53 pm
I suppose?
Doug Niemczynski
October 06, 2018 at 08:41 pm
yes sir !! I appreciate it !!
Johnblood27
October 05, 2018 at 05:23 pm
I have far more faith in Tonyan than sir drops a lot kendricks.
I would rather go with a maybe than a no way.
Lare
October 05, 2018 at 07:09 pm
I agree, but McCarthy seems to be in love with Kendricks regardless the lack of production.
Doug Niemczynski
October 05, 2018 at 05:55 pm
It is always so loud in the Detroit stadium!! We gotta score quickly to keep the crowd noise down.