Packers CB Nate Hobbs has knee surgery, hopes to return for regular season opener

Packers Cornerback Hobbs Undergoes Minor Knee Surgery

Green Bay Faces Brief Setback as Starter Prepares for Season Opener

With just one month until the NFL regular season kicks off, the Green Bay Packers' cornerback room has experienced a minor setback. Nate Hobbs underwent knee surgery described by sources as "minor," effectively sidelining him for approximately three weeks.

Despite this, Hobbs is expected to be ready in time for the Packers' season opener against the defending NFC North champion Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field. The surgery is believed to be preventative, addressing a potential issue that could have been managed throughout the season. The Packers opted for a cautious approach, prioritizing Hobbs' long-term health over immediate playing time.

Hobbs missed Green Bay's last two practices, including Family Night, where general manager Brian Gutekunst shed light on the severity of the injury. "We won’t see him tonight, he’s gonna be working through some things over the next couple of weeks," Gutekunst stated at the annual open practice.

This likely means Hobbs will sit out all preseason games. Although not a guaranteed starter, his absence could impact valuable joint practices with the Colts and Seahawks.

Packers Bring Back Ballentine to Address Cornerback Depth

To address the potential void left by Hobbs, Green Bay made a strategic move Monday. Corey Ballentine was re-signed for a second stint with the Packers after being released by the Colts last week. The team simultaneously released cornerback Gregory Junior in a corresponding move.

Ballentine, 29, brings valuable experience as a core special teamer and solid cornerback play. In his previous time with Green Bay, he demonstrated his capabilities, particularly in the 11 games where he played 15 or more coverage snaps between 2023 and 2024. During those appearances, he maintained an average PFF coverage grade of 61.7, just above average.

Hobbs: A Promising Addition Despite Early Mishaps

Hobbs signed with Green Bay on a four-year, $48 million contract in March. He has quickly made waves with his aggressive and assertive playing style during training camp.

While his intensity has drawn praise from coaches, it has also resulted in some disciplinary actions. He was cautioned for a hard hit on Dontayvion Wicks in a non-padded practice and again for a low tackle on MarShawn Lloyd during a session where players were instructed not to go to ground.

Despite these hiccups, Gutekunst highlighted Hobbs' versatility and physicality at Family Night. “He has all the aggressiveness and physicality we were looking for when we brought him in here,” he stated.

The Packers will now navigate the next few weeks without Hobbs' energetic presence but remain optimistic about his return for the season opener.