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In some ways we already know the answer to this question. Randall Cobb missed 10 games in 2013 and the Packers were forced into using James Jones and Jarrett Boykin regularly. Both backups averaged close to 14 yards per catch and combined for 108 receptions for 1,498 yards and 6 touchdowns. Nelson missed four games the prior season, and the Packers kept things chugging along thanks to Cobb, Jones and Greg Jennings.
The Packers are better suited than most – if not all – NFL teams to handle a serious loss to one of their top pass catchers. But could they handle the loss of both? Find out below…
WITHOUT FURTHER ADO, HERE IS A LOOK AT THE PACKERS IF EITHER RANDALL COBB OR JORDY NELSON IS SERIOUSLY INJURED...
BUY
WR Davante Adams – Adams stepped into the third receiver role as a rookie and held his own; he had 42 receptions for 427 yards and 4 touchdowns. Some believed the Packers were high enough on Adams to let Randall Cobb test free agency; but Cobb re-signed a new multi-year deal. Either way, Adams would be the clear starter opposite either Nelson or Cobb. He becomes an every week starter in 10- and 12-team leagues.
HOLD
QB Aaron Rodgers – As we’ve already said, Rodgers is the league’s top passer. Thanks to the Packers depth at receiver, it’s a next-man-up situation. Rodgers will thrive regardless of who’s in the lineup with him.
RB Eddie Lacy – Much like Rodgers, Lacy’s role and talent transcend who lines up at receiver. In the unlikely event both Cobb and Nelson got hurt, Lacy’s role would increase as Mike McCarthy and Tom Clements install more balance to the offensive attack.
WR Randall Cobb (if Nelson gets hurt) – Cobb would see slightly more targets, and he would vault from a fringe WR1 to a surefire Top 5 starter.
WR Jordy Nelson (if Cobb gets hurt) – Nelson is already a fringe Top 5 receiver, but the chance for extra targets could put Nelson in the conversation for #1 receiver ranking.
SELL
NONE
ADD
WR Jared Abbrederis – Abbrederis missed his rookie season with a torn ACL, and is currently being evaluated for a concussion (he’s had multiple concussions over his lifetime), but if he passes the protocol, Abbrederis has the skill set to thrive as a regular contributor. Abbrederis is a excellent route runner, is aggressive at the point of attack, and has the size and vertical leap to win jump balls.
WR Ty Montgomery – Montgomery is slated to make his mark as a returner this season, but there’s a chance he would be next in line for offensive snaps if the top of the receiving corps was injured. Montgomery has good size (6’0”, 221 lbs.) and plays very fast, but showed inconsistency at Stanford tracking deep balls. The coaches have praised him early in camp, and there’s no reason to think he wouldn’t be the next man up if given the shot.
WR Jeff Janis – A star at Saginaw Valley State, Janis has freakish measurables and is viewed as a workout warrior by his teammates. His propensity to excel in the weight room is not an admonishment of his receiving ability; his college tape suggests Janis can do almost anything. Most importantly, he has an attacking “my ball” mentality. He’s also deadly in the open field once the ball is in his hands.
DROP
NONE