The Green Bay Packers are the next victim to a season-ending injury to one of their biggest stars. The Washington Redskins have already suffered two while the Carolina Panthers have lost their leading wide receiver for the season. The Packers are next on the list after losing Jordy Nelson for the season following an ACL tear suffered in the second preseason game of the season. Now Green Bay is left to search for a replacement in a thin wide receiver market.
--UPDATE: Reggie Wayne has signed with the Pats.
According to Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com, Nelson suffered a torn ACL on Sunday which was confirmed by an MRI. Nelson landed awkwardly on his left knee following a short reception on the Packers'first drive of the game. He limped off the field and into the locker room and did not return. Nelson has been one of the leading receivers for the Packers over the past year and now the team must figure out how to attempt to replace him.
According to Dianna Mari Russini of ESPN, the Packers are trying to get a workout with Reggie Wayne before another team signs the veteran. Wayne already took a physical with New England, but has yet to sign a contract with the team. The Packers are trying to make a move quickly on the veteran who told the media he intends to play one more season. The Carolina Panthers are also needing to replace Kelvin Benjamin and could make a call into Wayne if he remains un-signed.
Outside of Wayne, the free agent market consists of Wes Welker who is gaining almost no interest at the moment and several veterans looking for another chance to play. Santana Moss told the media he is willing to play another season while Santonio Holmes and Brandon Lloyd remain available.
With Nelson out, Randall Cobb becomes the team's leading receiver. Andrew Quarless at tight end will also be critical for Aaron Rodgers. Ty Montgomery, Davante Adams and Jeff Janis are considered the best options outside of Nelson and Cobb for receivers. If the Packers cannot sign Wayne, it is not a huge issue as the team has acquired some talent at the position, but it would help to have another body, especially one with the veteran knowledge of the former Indianapolis Colts star. Rodgers was obviously upset at the injury to Nelson while downplaying the hand knock he suffered in the game.
"It's 100 percent injury percentage for all players. It's just unfortunate it happens in the preseason," Rodgers said, via the team website.