Packers WR Randall Cobb misses practice with core injury
The injury currently affecting Green Bay Packers receiver Randall Cobb could be a concerning one, both in terms of his availability for Sunday and his status for the rest of the regular season.
Cobb left the Packers’ Week 12 win over the Los Angeles Rams at halftime with what was originally labeled a groin injury. Even after the bye week, he missed Wednesday’s practice with what is now being called a core injury.
The groin/core injury diagnosis points to the distinct possibility of a sports hernia, which could put the rest of Cobb’s 2021 season in jeopardy.
The Packers play the Chicago Bears on Sunday. The team has not placed Cobb on injured reserve, keeping open the possibility that the injury is minor.
But the veteran receiver missing a significant chunk of time is also possible. For instance, Packers receiver Allen Lazard had surgery to repair a core muscle injury last season and missed six games over seven weeks. It’s unclear at this point if Cobb’s injury will require surgical intervention.
If Cobb has to miss 6-8 weeks, it’s possible he could be back at some point during the postseason, although the timeline gets tight.
Cobb, who returned to Green Bay in a trade with the Houston Texans during training camp, has 28 catches for 375 yards and five touchdowns in 12 games this season. His five touchdown catches have him tied with Davante Adams for the team lead.
Cobb has operated mostly out of the slot during his return to the Packers. He’s been a trusted target of Aaron Rodgers, and his first half against the Rams (four catches, 95 yards, touchdown) was among the most productive of his career.
If Cobb is out for a significant amount of time, the Packers may need to rely on Equanimeous St. Brown to play more as the No. 4 receiver behind Adams, Lazard and Marquez Valdes-Scantling.
