The Green Bay Packers entered training camp with exceptional depth at some positions and lacking depth at others. Wide receiver, defensive end, and running back were considered extremely deep positions, while cornerback was considered a position that had more questions after the top players on the depth chart. As we approach the first preseason game, injuries are already hitting the Packers at a position with a concerning lack of depth. At least the team has already taken steps to address it.

Injuries Already Hitting the Packers at a Position with a Lack of Depth: How We Got Here

The biggest change at cornerback during the offseason was the decision to move on from Jaire Alexander. On the one hand, Alexander had only played 14 games of a possible 34 over the past two seasons, so the Packers know how to get by without him. On the other hand, on paper, none of the players remaining on the roster at cornerback have a proven track record as a shutdown corner, which is something Alexander was when healthy.

The team did sign free agent Nate Hobbs who spent the last four seasons with the Raiders. But even with that addition, the Packers are not deep at cornerback. GM Brian Gutekunst didn’t address the position until the seventh round when he selected Micah Robinson with the 237th overall pick. While Robinson could develop into a solid NFL player, it would be a lot to expect him to play a substantial role on defense as a rookie.

That leaves the Packers with three proven cornerbacks in Keisean Nixon, Hobbs, and third-year man, Carrington Valentine. Behind those three, the depth is unproven. The team felt they needed to avoid injuries to one of the top three players on the depth chart or there could be problems.

Injuries Strike Early

We are barely two weeks into training camp and one of the top three corners has already been shelved by an injury. Hobbs, who was criticized a bit for being too physical during the first week of training camp, has suffered a knee injury.

Injuries have hampered Hobbs throughout his career. In four NFL seasons, played in every game just once. He has missed a total of 16 regular season games over the last three years.

The team and player opted for Hobbs to undergo a minor procedure to clean up the knee. The estimated recovery time is three weeks which means if things go according to plan, Hobbs could return to practice a week to 10 days before the Packers open the season against Detroit.

Some reports indicated that Hobbs could have played through the injury, but the decision to undergo the procedure now during the preseason was “preventative.”

For the rest of the preseason, the Packers depth at cornerback will be severely tested.

Injuries Already Hitting the Packers at a Position with a Lack of Depth: Alternatives and Moves Made

Shortly after getting an update on Hobbs’ situation, the Packers took action. Gutekunst re-signed Corey Ballentine, who the Packers had opted not to retain this past offseason. Ballentine was just released by the Colts on August 1.

Ballentine has proven to be a useful backup cornerback who can also contribute on special teams. He spent the last three seasons with the Packers and started a career-high six games in 2023. He also made his only career NFL interception in a key late-season game against Minnesota.

Ballentine will at least give the Packers some experienced depth at cornerback. He obviously also knows the system well having played last season in Jeff Hafley’s defense. /

For now, the Packers will likely have Nixon and Valentine starting on the boundary with Javon Bullard getting the first opportunity to be the slot corner. Thus far in camp, Bullard has been getting beaten often in that position.

If Hobbs returns in time for the start of the season, this will not be a big issue. The addition of Ballentine fortifies the depth at the position. However, it would still be a concern if Ballentine had to start for multiple games.

Ballentine helps fortify the cornerback room, although he is not a lock to make the roster. This remains a position with a precarious lack of depth if injuries hit the top three during the regular season.

 

 

 

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