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It appears that for once, the rumor mill may actually be correct.
We have found the first legitimate report about the extent of Green Bay Packers' wide receiver Jared Abbrederis' knee injury, and it's not good. Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel is reporting that he has confirmed with a Packers source that Abbrederis appears to have torn his Anterior Cruciate Ligament, as feared.
This is a disappointing blow for the rookie and former Wisconsin Badger, who was drafted in the fifth round by the Packers in this year's NFL Draft. Abbrederis had been showing signs of improvement in practice and was expected by many to contribute on special teams this season.
If this diagnosis is confirmed by further tests, expect Abbrederis to go on Injured Reserve for the 2014 season and to come back motivated to make the team in 2015.
In the meantime, the Packers are lucky enough that this injury does not appear to be a major blow to their receiving corps, as Abbrederis was expected to be no higher than fifth on the team's receiver depth chart. Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, and Jarrett Boykin are all established veterans, and the team drafted fellow wideout Davante Adams in the second round this year.
Unfortunately, the hometown kid's dream of playing for the Packers looks like it will be put on hold for the coming season. We wish Jared the best of luck in his recovery.