Jordy Nelson Suffers Broken Ribs – Current Status Unlikely to Play

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Monday that Green Bay Packers star wide receiver Jordy Nelson suffered “at least two” fractured ribs during Sunday afternoon’s win over the New York Giants.

Head coach Mike McCarthy told reporters that Nelson still has a chance to play in spite of the injury. However, Rapoport also cited sources that indicated it would take an “incredible effort” for Nelson to play next Sunday when the Packers take on the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington.

The Injury

Nelson was injured after taking a shot from Giants cornerback Leon Hall during the first half of Sunday’s game. He was in visible pain afterward and never wound up returning to the field.

Fortunately for the Packers, they did not need Nelson out there to make quick work of the Giants. Aaron Rodgers tore New York to shreds, completing 25 of his 40 attempts for 362 yards with four touchdowns and zero interceptions.

Other WRs Will Have to Pick Up the Slack

That said, a potential Nelson absence would leave a huge hole in Green Bay’s group of pass catchers. Davante Adams helped pick up the slack with Nelson sidelined, hauling in eight passes for 125 yards and a score. Randall Cobb also topped the 100-yard mark and scored three touchdowns, one of which came on a Hail Mary at the very end of the first half.

Nelson caught one pass for 13 yards before leaving the game for good. He was doubled over on the sideline before being carted off to the locker room for further testing.

When the Cowboys and Packers last met early in the season, Dallas was able to keep Nelson relatively in check. The Packers’ standout wide out was limited to just five catches for 68 yards and did not find the end zone that afternoon.

Moving Forward

Nelson spent Sunday night in the hospital before being released on Monday. McCarthy said that Nelson will work with the team’s rehab group and try to get healthy enough to play against the Cowboys.

McCarthy also told reporters that if Nelson is unable to practice on Saturday that he will not suit up for the game the next day. Fortunately for Green Bay, Nelson reportedly did not suffer any internal injuries on the play.

Updates on Montgomery & Martinez

Running back Ty Montgomery was also forced to leave the game against the Giants early with an injury. However, he did return to the game and is expected to be in action when the Packers resume practice on Wednesday. He will most likely play against the Cowboys.

Linebacker Blake Martinez left Sunday’s game with a knee injury, but McCarthy said the team “got good news” on him. He should be out there Sunday, as well.