Report: Green Bay Packers WR Jordy Nelson has torn ACL

When Jordy Nelson went down without being touched after a short reception on Sunday afternoon, you knew it wasn’t good.

And a report said the injury is as bad as the Green Bay Packers could have feared.

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The initial diagnosis on Nelson is that he tore his ACL in this meaningless preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport first reported that news. If an MRI confirms the tear, the Packers will be without their No. 1 receiver for the entire season. That’s a huge blow to a team that has legitimate Super Bowl hopes. 

Nelson had a career year last season, with 98 catches, 1,519 yards and 13 touchdowns. He was Aaron Rodgers’ top target, and a big reason Rodgers won another NFL MVP award.

Second-year receiver Davante Adams will take on a bigger role in the offense. Someone will have to step up and replace Adams’ production as the third receiver. The Packers could look at potential free agents (though general manager Ted Thompson rarely signs free agents). Former Colts receiver Reggie Wayne was visiting the New England Patriots on Sunday. But anyone who is still available will be a stop-gap player at best. Nelson’s injury will cause a huge ripple effect in the Packers’ offense.

Before the season has even started, the Packers have lost one of the best receivers in the NFL. That will be tough to overcome.

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Frank Schwab is the editor of Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @YahooSchwab