Hobbs' Injury Created A Roster-Building Domino Effect

With the deadline for roster cutdowns rapidly approaching, the Green Bay Packers are pondering: How many tight ends to keep? What about defensive tackles? Is Mecole Hardman the punt returner, or will he find himself on the chopping block?

Cornerback is a particularly fascinating position group under consideration, and the Packers should consider keeping six.

They have three absolute locks in Keisean Nixon, Nate Hobbs, and Carrington Valentine. That's the first tier. Bo Melton also feels like a safe bet to make the team, but he isn’t in that first tier in terms of guys whom the Packers can rely upon weekly.

After that, it gets foggy.

Hobbs’s injury status isn’t making the path any clearer. The Packers signed the former Las Vegas Raiders cornerback, and he had his knee scoped in early August. He reportedly could've played through it, but ultimately decided to get the operation done so it wouldn't linger.

After the procedure, Hobbs noted the urgency in getting it done to hopefully be back for the start of the regular season.

It’s worth noting that head coach Matt LaFleur used the word “hope” in discussing any sort of timeline.

“I'm not going to put a timetable on it,” LaFleur said. “We're hoping to get him back here sooner than later.”

Now, let's discuss the domino effect.

If Hobbs misses any time to start the season, do the Packers trust Melton enough to play meaningful snaps at cornerback? That feels like a big stretch.

Melton impressed enough to warrant a roster spot, and he can play multiple roles on special teams. However, it can't be in Green Bay's plans to roll Melton out at corner for big-time snaps right from the start of the regular season. Making the transition from wide receiver to cornerback isn't that easy in the NFL.

As a result of that, and some uncertainty as to how exactly the cornerback room will take shape in Green Bay, keeping two additional cornerbacks would provide plenty of support for what could be a wobbly structure.

Enter Kalen King and Corey Ballentine.

The Packers scooped up Ballentine almost immediately after the Indianapolis Colts waived him on August 1. Ballentine spent the past three years in Green Bay, including the transition from Joe Barry to Jeff Hafley.

Back in 2023, when injuries kept Jaire Alexander and Eric Stokes out for long stretches, they started Ballentine for six games. He was competent and provided stability for the Packers during a shaky time at the position.

Ballentine played in 15 games last year. He’s also been a key contributor on special teams, where he logged 195 snaps in the last three years. Ballentine brings familiarity and reliability to a room that needs just that. While it wouldn't be shocking to see him get cut, it makes more sense to keep him around.

The veteran noted his preference to be in Green Bay once the Packers brought him back.

Then there's King, a fringe roster player making a strong case for a spot on the final 53. He made numerous standout plays throughout the summer, during training camp, on Family Night, and throughout the preseason.

In Saturday's win over Seattle, King had a couple of flashy plays, including a fumble recovery.

He made plays. King needed to make some improvements this offseason to justify a roster spot, and he’s consistently demonstrated that he’s reached a new level. If the Packers try to stash him on their practice squad, there would be a significant risk that some other team would poach him.

Five might have been the comfortable number of cornerbacks to keep in most years. Some might even make a case for the Packers keeping four cornerbacks. But this year, given all the various factors, it should be six, with Ballentine and King rounding out a group that also includes Nixon, Hobbs, Valentine, and Melton.