The Jordy Nelson Injury Fallout: More Starters to Sit Out Game Three
The Jordy Nelson Injury Fallout: More Starters to Sit Out Game Three
By pointerjeff
Traditionally fans of the Green Bay Packers have become accustomed to viewing pre-season game three as a final tune-up for the regular season. It was always the game in which the starters played longer together – perhaps even into the third quarter – before giving way to their young hungry team mates looking to earn a job.
But Jordy Nelson’s ACL injury in game two, which will sideline the star receiver for the season, has changed all that.
Although coach Mike McCarthy won’t come right out and say it, we are likely to see QB Aaron Rodger only one series if at all during Saturday night’s tilt with the Philadelphia Eagles. A betting man would feel safe putting money on Rodgers not playing at all.
Wednesday’s practice at Ray Nitschke Field in Green Bay saw heavy doses of third and fourth string QB’s Brett Hundley and Matt Blanchard. Second team QB Scott Tolzien did not practice after sitting out with a concussion suffered during the Steelers game.
"We're going to prepare as though we're going to play and we'll see what he (McCarthy) does," Rodgers said after practice.
Rodgers appears ready to go into the season opener with his current body of work intact. So far this exhibition season he has played a total of 47 plays with the number one offense. The results are five drives, a field goal, a touchdown, safety, and two failed fourth downs ending the drive. Nothing to write home about but not terrible either.
Yet for Rodgers, an eleven year veteran, that body of work is apparently enough. Call it the ‘Jordy Nelson Injury Fallout’.
"In order to be a good offense, you have to innovate every single year," Rodgers said. "You have to evolve and make sure you're making subtle changes to kind of stay ahead of the scouting. We're doing a good job with that. We're right where we need to be. We've had some productive drives when we've been out there. I'm happy where we're at."
With Rodgers on top of his game and leading a veteran offense, McCarthy will be wary of losing another star player in ‘a meaningless game’. The emphasis will be on giving his younger players an opportunity to shine and with three starters on the offensive line likely to miss the game (Bakhtiari, Sitton, Lang), there is little to gain by subjecting players to injury who will need to answer the bell on opening day in Chicago.
Rodgers will not be the only player to see diminished or no playing time vs. the Eagles. Eddie Lacy, Randall Cobb, Julius Peppers and Clay Matthews will certainly join Rodgers on the bench. In fact anyone who is dinged up may also see limited action as well.
Julius Peppers joined Rodgers in echoing similar thoughts about veterans playing meaningless pre-season games. "It's not a real game," Peppers said. "It's just a glamorized practice where there's live tackling and we're keeping score. That's pretty much what it is. It's an evaluation thing. I don't want to get in trouble with the coaches for saying this, but it's a period of evaluation. That's pretty much what it is. We keep the score, but we don't really care who wins."
Peppers is right however, and so is Rodgers.
The Packers are still Las Vegas' front-runners when it comes to prognosticating who will win Super Bowl 50. Now is not the time to risk the health of your team’s starters.
It is time however to keep your eye on the prize.
Comments (32)
MarkinMadison
August 28, 2015 at 07:33 am
Given all of the offensive lineman that are out, and given the absolutely dismal performance of Mr. Barclay last week, you might very well hear the entire state of Wisconsin shout "Fire McCarthy!" at our t.v. screens if #12 is out there against the Eagles. Except maybe the odd Vikings, Bears or Lions fan who has crossed the border. They'd be happy.
Ibleedgreenmore
August 28, 2015 at 07:37 am
Before the injury of Jordy Nelson I was excited to see this game. Now I can not wait for it to be over, we might not have a full line anywhere on either side at season stat.
croatpackfan
August 28, 2015 at 07:49 am
Jeff, I know that it sounds unfair (but life is unfair) to lose star player in preseason game. But, I believe that it is much better for the team to lose player of that importance in preseason, than in the first drive of the first game of the season. Also, as far as I can see, season ending injuries also happens during preseason practices, even during season practices. So, what to do. To avoid injuries we will not let starters to practice?
C'mon people. Football is team sport. In every team sport teams are playing preseason games and tournaments to make fine tuning of the team before the season. There is no team sport w/o preseason games. And, Julius is right, those are just more glamorous practices, but practices of utmost importance, because no practice can produce unpredictability and speed like playing games, even preseason games...
Suddenly, preseason games are guilty for all bad things that happened to the team.
I'm so sad that we lost Jordy, I can not tell you. But, that is football. Injuries happened. And I do not think the field, or game or preparation or fatigue or what so ever is guilty for that injury.
Second, you have to evaluate where you are with your game, with 1st team, 2nd stringers and players who are fighting to stay with team. It is easier to evaluate players you know than players you do not know. And that is why the main playing time in preseason games are spent on fighters for the roster...
I agree with the decision to not play Aaron and 1st team in Saturday game. Why? Becuase you do not have 1st offense available. What would be reason to play 40% of your OL and 66% of your receivers, when you know what you can get from them. Lets evaluate others...
I think we saw enough of the 1st team against Steelers. With Aaron and his back up QB 1 st team was against 1st team Steelers 19-9. Case closed. Now is the time to play fighters...
4thand1
August 28, 2015 at 04:06 pm
This game worried me for one reason. Last year of the Eagles players were accusing AR of laughing at them. I could see a cheap shot happening in this meaningless game for AR. Start Scotty.
NickPerry
August 28, 2015 at 08:03 am
I'm starting to be really concerned about the Packers and the start of the season. Who REALLY knows what's going on with Bahkitieri? I mean the coaching staff does, medical department, but being the 3rd preseason game and the OL hasn't been out there together yet except a few snaps, these guys haven't had ANY game time together really. Practice and game speed are entirely different. If Bahkitieris knee isn't up to snuff, Rodgers hasn't had any live action to get used to new roles for Adams, Montgomery, and Janis, this could take until week 4 or 5 to start clicking, just like last year.
McCarthy spoke all offseason and at the start of camp a fast start was of the greatest importance. The way it's looking now the Packers are going to go into week one with less than 2 quarters of work and ZERO snaps without Nelson.
Reynaldo, Since '61, RC, talk me off the Ledge!!!
Evan
August 28, 2015 at 08:34 am
"...but being the 3rd preseason game and the OL hasn't been out there together yet except a few snaps, these guys haven't had ANY game time together really."
I mean, they've had 2+ seasons of game time together. We're not talking about getting some rookies up to speed or implementing a new system. This is a veteran group. I'm not too worried about the starting o-line's cohesiveness.
EDIT: 1+ season with Linsley...but still.
Thegreatreynoldo
August 28, 2015 at 12:34 pm
What Evan wrote.
Edit: We play Saturday and again on Thursday. Let's see what things look like Thursday.
NickPerry
August 29, 2015 at 06:59 am
There were 2 parts to my comment, the O-Line and Rodgers getting playing time with Montgomery, Janis, and what I'm sure is a somewhat new role for Adams. Bakhtiari looked HORRIBLE against New England and that sack he gave up against a 4th round rookie, the one where Rodgers became part of the turf wasn't pretty.
I understand all the WR learn all the WR positions but Adams is only entering his 2nd season and with Nelson gone the Packers are going to be counting on him much more than last Friday Night when Nelson was on his way to Pittsburgh. As a matter of fact Rodgers has even said "We're running out of time", so obviously he's concerned as well.
Thegreatreynoldo
August 29, 2015 at 12:08 pm
Not sure I can be of help then. While I don't think he's a chump, I have been consistently underwhelmed by Davante Adams. I think he'll make the leap to being a nice #3 WR. There's no reason to think Bakh won't play a few series on Thursday unless his leg actually looks like a pretzel and MM is underplaying the injury.
NickPerry
August 29, 2015 at 08:31 pm
I read another interesting piece and it really goes with what I've always thought, the "Packers System" combined with the QB play of the last 22 years have always allowed them to have a great passing game. They've been able to plug in just about any WR and be successful. Now the WR have been excellent in Green Bay, especially since TT took over but the QB have had a lot to with it. It seems they can make just about anyone look good. Hope Rodgers can make Adams great and Janis, Montgomery, and maybe even Abby god. I have a feeling Abby will be back week 6.
Since'61
August 28, 2015 at 12:45 pm
Hang in there Nick. The #1 unit has had about 45 - 50 snaps in the 1st 2 pre-season games. Nothing counts until 9/13. Bakhthiari probably has a bruise or sprain. He'll be ready unless we hear otherwise. Keep Rodgers and the OL healthy and we'll be fine. Thanks, Since '61
4thand1
August 28, 2015 at 04:09 pm
Its pre-season, relax.
Gianich
August 28, 2015 at 08:28 am
Put the $$$ on Eagles to cover -3 and score first.
porupack
August 28, 2015 at 08:57 am
I agree with croatpackfan; on importance of preseason games. If players didn't play preseason games, and went from TC to full throttle game action, there would be even more injuries. Better to have preseason games where veterans play 80% effort, and for several quarters...to build up to full season endurance before the first game.
No way to avoid injuries, they happen even in practice. Ask the cowboys about that.
EdsLaces
August 28, 2015 at 10:41 am
My buddy had to tell me that we were "even" on injuries after Scandrick went down cause he's a cowboys fan. I responded with ...."you're an idiot".
4thand1
August 28, 2015 at 04:10 pm
Bulaga on family night.
TarynsEyes
August 28, 2015 at 10:17 am
So with this confidence in not needing more play in preseason,though born via fear of further injuries,...agree or not,...this offense is proclaiming it's readiness to at least offer a better showing at seasons start than that of the most recent past.
The 'Not being on the same page' cannot be allowed as the excuse,since getting there is achieved by playing together as much as possible.
The forte' that is grown between our#2-4 WR's with the back up QB's will undoubted come in handy while Rodgers has but Cobb on his 'totally on same page' guy in the first weeks that have now taken on a new level of their own...Will win-Should win-Hope to win-Lucky to win.
EdsLaces
August 28, 2015 at 10:38 am
Get Lacy in ....and get Lacy out. Lacy is our guy this year. # Hulkmode
Funcrusher
August 28, 2015 at 11:08 am
I don't think the Jordy loss is as big as many people are making it out to be. Besides the one play in the New England game, Jordy has consistently been shut down by good defenses, even though he kills the mediocre ones. Davante Adams is a tougher receiver and the loss might force the Packers to be more creative with their offensive approaches instead of trying to chuck it to the sidelines every other play. They do need to get Ty Montgomery going, though.
4thand1
August 28, 2015 at 04:12 pm
When the chips were down, why didn't Jordy and AR challenge a hurt Sherman? Fear cost em.
NickPerry
August 29, 2015 at 05:45 am
Exactly, McCarthy was scared to death just like week one. They challenged him in the first quarter and Sherman picked him off, that was enough for McCarthy. Fast forward to Sherman and Thomas's injuries and they never looked their way. Hopefully Clements finds the "Sack" to go after a CB with an obvious injury.
John Galt III
August 28, 2015 at 06:26 pm
You may be right. I hope so.
They may run more screens and they are very effective. Those are perfectly designed plays and a Lombardi would makes sure they worked every time.
tm_inter
August 28, 2015 at 03:09 pm
It's important for Aaron Rodgers to test connecting with Ty Montgomery and Jess Janis in actual games. If Don Barclay is to play left tackle in the Eagle game, why not put in an extra blocker alongside Barclay, either a TE or a FB, to prevent Rodgers from getting hit? How about trying Bulaga at left tackle?
4thand1
August 28, 2015 at 04:14 pm
Barclay sucks. They should paint him orange and pay him the cost of a cone.
hybridauth_Facebook_100004084225446
August 28, 2015 at 03:31 pm
Chillax folks we be fine .
PaulRosik
August 28, 2015 at 06:30 pm
I feel the fear of having someone else get injured. And Lacy and Rodgers have both looked good and ready to go. But the purpose of the preseason is to be ready for the season. In the last few seasons the Packers have been slow out of the gate. In 2014 they were 1 - 2 with two bad losses and an unimpressive win before the famous R -E - L - A - X comments (they have been 1 - 2 each of the last three seasons in fact). The hope was that a sharp preseason would have the Packers ready for game 1 - and not gearing it up for game 4 of the season. Now they look to be in a situation where the line is not fully set and the actual lineup of receivers on the field will not have played together at all in the preseason. Last season the Bears were a tonic to make the Packers feel better so maybe they can provide that in week 1 and help the Pack off to a good start for a change.
4thand1
August 29, 2015 at 07:25 am
I'm sure its been pointed out by now that great receivers usually have great QB's throwing them the ball. I've always been a Jordy fan, but would he be this good on a shitty team? No way. IMO he cost us home field with the drop in Buffalo, he has his moments. I've also seen him completely shut down by great CB's. What he is , is a total team player, great blocker, fast, great sideline hands, and great character. He will be there coaching up young receivers. The ball will be spread around, if one receiver has more than 60 receptions, I'll be surprised.
TKWorldWide
August 29, 2015 at 09:53 am
Cobb will exceed 60 receptions, in my statistical opinion.
AZPack
August 29, 2015 at 10:23 am
Cobb will be pushing 100 rec. Adams probably in the 70's. If they can get 40 out of Montgomery and Janis, the offense will be very good to outstanding again.
PaulRosik
August 29, 2015 at 11:17 am
60 receptions? Oh my god I will take that action for any amount you wish to name. You do realize that receivers like Mike Wallace, Travis Kelce, Michael Crabtree, Fred Jackson, Heath Miller, Doug Baldwin, Robert Woods, Andrew Hawkins, Delanie Walker, Eddie Royal and Dwayne Bowe all had more than 60 catches last year. In all there were 57 players who had more than 60 catches. So you're saying the Packers number one receiver will be 58th in the league in receptions?
Last season the Packers had 349 completions. The season before with Rodgers out for 8 games they had 366 completions. So unless like 8 players are getting 50 catches each, someone has to get more than 60.
Hell, Lacy might even get 60 catches.
4thand1
August 29, 2015 at 12:26 pm
My bad, I meant to say if more than one receiver has more than 60 catches, I'll be surprised. Cobb should be anywhere from 80 to 100 if healthy, agreed.
LASVEGAS-TOM
August 29, 2015 at 02:42 pm
4thand1, Would you use a later round draft pick to get Jones or Jennings back?, or some other quality receiver who might be available?