Packers to Place CB James Nixon on Injured Reserve

The Packers will be placing a cornerback on injured reserve soon, but it's not the one that many of us expected. No, instead of shutting Casey Hayward down for the year, rookie James Nixon will go on IR soon after having knee surgery, reports the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.

Nixon was active for three games this year, primarily as a gunner on the Packers' kick and punt coverage units. Nixon was credited with two defensive snaps by Pro Football Focus, but one of those was on the fake punt run by the Cleveland Browns.

With Nixon out for the season, that leaves the Packers with six cornerbacks on the roster and still just three who are healthy in Tramon Williams, Davon House, and Jarrett Bush. As the J-S notes, the Packers have not yet made this announcement official, so it's possible that Nixon may remain on the 53-man roster through the weekend and be placed on IR on Monday.

With Jerel Worthy and Sean Richardson having practiced for a few weeks now, this may end up clearing a roster spot for one of the two of them to return to action from the Physically Unable to Perform list. If Richardson is ready to play on special teams, it would be logical that he might get the nod to take Nixon's place. The J-S speculates that practice squad cornerback Jumal Rolle could get elevated to the active roster instead.

Nixon's addition will make him the tenth Packer on Injured Reserve, or the eleventh if you include Randall Cobb who is designated for return.

We'll keep you informed as we hear more about Nixon's situation.

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