Packers hit with additional injury concerns as the team nears what truly matters moving forward
Cornerback Nate Hobbs and safety Zayne Anderson are likely out for the season.
The Green Bay Packers don’t stop getting hit by injuries. On Tuesday, the team placed cornerback Kamal Hadden and defensive tackle Jordon Riley on injured reserve, and they are out for the season. On Wednesday, head coach Matt LaFleur indicated that fellow cornerback Nate Hobbs and safety Zayne Anderson are likely out for the rest of the season as well.
“We’re going through that stuff,” LaFleur detailed. “But I would not anticipate [them returning for the playoffs].”
Injury ends disappointing season for Nate Hobbs
Cornerback Nate Hobbs was the biggest investment the Packers made at cornerback this year. Losing Jaire Alexander and Eric Stokes, the Packers knew they needed pieces there, and they gave Hobbs a four-year, $48 million contract in free agency.
His first year in Green Bay was disappointing, to say the least. Hobbs played only 11 games, battling a multitude of knee injuries throughout the season. When playing, he was average at best — despite being a good tackler and better in the slot, Hobbs allowed a 125.3 passer rating when targeted.
Soon, the Packers will have a decision to make in regards to Nate Hobbs. He’s slated to make $9.05 million in 2026, but none of it is guaranteed. However, Green Bay is more likely to keep him around, because releasing Hobbs would create just $1.05 million in cap space.
Safety Zayne Anderson, who’s primarily a special teamer and suffered an ankle injury, is set to become a free agent in March.
Roster moves
The Packers could possibly open two extra roster spots with Hobbs and Anderson going on injured reserve. The team will need those spots, especially in Week 18 when some key starters are expected to sit.
On Tuesday, the Packers promoted two defensive backs from the practice squad already — Shemar Bartholomew and Jaylin Simpson. LaFleur praised what both have done at practice.
“A lot of their action was on the look team, and I love how they go out there and compete,” LaFleur said. “Sometimes, you’re asking guys to do things that aren’t within the framework of your scheme. The one thing I know about them is they’re workers, and they’re competitors, and they’re not going to shy away from it. We’ll get a good long look at these guys throughout the course of the week and have a better indication going into Sunday.”
Injuries keep piling up for the Packers, but they don’t have options beyond working hard and making the necessary adjustments for a potential playoff run — as unlikely as it has become.
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