After taking a brutal hit to the midsection during Sunday's wild-card clash with the New York Giants, Jordy Nelson appeared as though he might not suit up again for the Green Bay Packers this season. However, head coach Mike McCarthy offered a modicum of optimism Monday when he addressed the media, saying the Pro Bowl wideout could suit up next weekend against the Dallas Cowboys if he can practice on Saturday.
According to McCarthy, Nelson will work with the rehab group through Friday. The Packers then plan to reevaluate him on Saturday. Even if Nelson practices that day, that does not guarantee the team allows him to play in Dallas, as the injury proved severe enough that the wideout spent the night in a local hospital. Still, the fact that McCarthy didn't rule Nelson out suggests a real, if distant, chance for him to return.
While McCarthy left the door open for Nelson in his press conference, the feeling in the building might vary significantly. According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, Nelson has “at least two fractured ribs.” Though some athletes have taken the field with similar injuries in the past, few played wide receiver. If accurate, Nelson seems a near lock to miss Sunday’s game.
In any case, Nelson's health bears monitoring over the course of the week. Playing on the road against the No. 1 seeded Cowboys, the Packers need all the help they can muster.