PITTSBURGH (AP)–The Green Bay Packers fear wide receiver Jordy Nelson suffered a torn ACL during Sunday’s preseason game at the Pittsburgh Steelers, a league source told ESPN’s Adam Caplan.
Nelson, the former K-State standout was scheduled to have an MRI that will determine the extent of the injury.
Coach Mike McCarthy said earlier Sunday he is “looking for good news.”
Fullback John Kuhn was also willing to wait for more information on Nelson.
“That’s a lot of speculation at this point in time,” Kuhn said. “You have to hear something definitive before you start formulating opinions.”
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers didn’t sound quite as optimistic. Rodgers was somber during his postgame news conference.
“It’s difficult to lose a guy like that in a meaningless game,” Rodgers said.
Asked if he wished there was no preseason, Rodgers said: “I think a lot of players around the league probably do. At least cut it down, maybe, to a couple.”
Nelson landed awkwardly, and his left knee appeared to buckle after a short reception on the game’s first drive. He limped off the field following the noncontact injury and walked to the locker room under his own power but did not return.
The Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook reacted quickly to Nelson’s injury. The Packers had been co-favorites, with the Seattle Seahawks, to win the Super Bowl at 9-2 odds. SuperBook oddsmaker Ed Salmons lengthened Green Bay’s odds to 6-1. The Packers’ season win total also was adjusted from 11 minus-110 under to 11 minus-150 under.
Last season, Nelson led the Packers with a career-high 98 catches for a franchise-record 1,519 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Without Nelson, the Packers likely would elevate Davante Adams to one of the top two receiver spots along with Randall Cobb, who had 91 catches for 1,287 yards and 12 touchdowns last season.
Given how much the Packers like to use three-receiver sets, it could mean significantly more playing time for second-year pro Jeff Janis, who replaced Nelson on Sunday, and rookie third-round pick Ty Montgomery.
Rodgers left the game after the first quarter and was seen icing his right hand and wrist on the sideline. McCarthy said the quarterback took a shot when he was sacked for a safety on the second possession but added that Rodgers could have continued if it were a regular-season game.
Guard T.J. Lang and backup quarterback Scott Tolzien were both being evaluated for concussions.
“It was a tough day of football,” McCarthy said. “A lot of injuries for both teams.”
