One of those important players is up-and-coming wide receiver Jordy Nelson. Although Nelson was unable to match his numbers from the breakout season last year (1,263 yards, 15 touchdowns), the 27-year-old has been solid once again for this Packers squad and one of Aaron Rodgers’ favorite targets in the offense once again.
Nelson has been banged up as of late with a knee injury. Even though Nelson was still able to produce big numbers in the regular-season finale against the Minnesota Vikings with three catches for 87 yards and a touchdown, the knee injury has been a concern moving forward with the Packers’ coaching staff not as confident as Nelson in terms of being able to play this weekend against Minnesota.
Despite the team’s medical staff still doubting Nelson’s ability to play in their first playoff against, the wideout is confident he’ll be on the field against the Vikings according to Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk:
Nelson progressed to a full practice on Thursday, though, and said after the session that he does not share the doubts about his status. Nelson said he had “none whatsoever” and said he plans to be in the lineup for Green Bay’s playoff opener.
Along with Nelson’s confidence he’ll be in the lineup against Minnesota, the Packers will also have veteran safety Charles Woodson back healthy after missing the majority of the season witha broken collarbone. Wide receiver Randall Cobb also appears to be ready to play as well as Greg Jennings.
Green Bay is near full strength coming into their matchup with the Vikings and will be looking to avenge the loss to their division rivals last week. The winner of his NFC Wild Card showdown will advance to play the San Francisco 49ers.
