(Original story from 1/10/17:)
Will Green Bay Packers fans see wide receiver Jordy Nelson during the divisional round playoff game against the Dallas Cowboys? That’s the question Packers Head Coach Mike McCarthy, and the NFL world will be wondering until Sunday when the team travels to Arlington, Texas to square off against the Cowboys. The Green Bay wide receiver went down in the middle of the Packers wild card win over the New York Giants on Sunday evening. In an attempt to disrupt the catch, Giants safety Leon Hall tackled Nelson with the crown of his helmet which resulted in at least 2 fractured ribs, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Nelson was carted off into the locker room by medical personnel and later examined at the hospital, which he was then released from.
This is a huge blow for the Green Bay Packers amidst their preparation to play the Cowboys. Nelson completed the regular season with 97 receptions, 1,257 receiving yards, and an NFL leading 14 receiving touchdowns. He won’t be an easy target to replace for the 6th best pass offense in the league. Although this is a huge blow for the Packers offense, they have performed without star wideout before. Nelson went down before the 2015 season got underway due to an ACL tear but the Packers pulled off a 10-6 record and a playoff appearance. We can expect to see Aaron Rodgers use his arsenal of weapons in his receiving core and keep this game interesting, just as he has done all season.
Jordy Nelson’s availability for next week still looms around the locker room. According to Packers Head Coach Mike McCarthy, the wide receiver will be participating in the rehab group, if healthy on Saturday during practice, he will have a chance to play.
McCarthy on Jordy Nelson (rib): He’ll be in the rehab group through Friday. If he can practice Saturday, he’ll have a chance to play.
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) January 9, 2017
UPDATE (1/13/17): Jordy Nelson will indeed miss the Packers divisional round game against the Dallas Cowboys, the team announced.
McCarthy on Jordy Nelson: We're going to declare him out for the game Sunday. #GBvsDAL
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) January 13, 2017
McCarthy on Jordy Nelson (ruled out for Sunday): We'll re-evaluate Monday. He's going through a workout now. He's feeling better every day.
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) January 13, 2017
McCarthy: Jordy will travel. He'll be at the game in Dallas. #GBvsDAL
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) January 13, 2017
Packers vs Cowboys kickoff is set for 4:40 PM EST, on January 15th.
