Packers Add CB to Active Roster With $48 Million Starter’s Status in Question
Posted September 7, 2025
The biggest injury issue looming for the Green Bay Packers involves superstar edge rusher Micah Parsons and how much he might play in his first game with the franchise after minimal work during the preseason and a nagging back problem.
But perhaps a more critical question for the Packers is how the defense will navigate the absence of starter Nate Hobbs should he prove unable to play against the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field on Sunday, September 7. Green Bay elevated a player from the practice squad Saturday as a precaution, which doesn’t necessarily mean Hobbs is out but also isn’t the best indicator for his immediate health.
“The Packers have elevated cornerback Micah Robinson for game day,” Jason B. Hirschhorn reported via X. “Nate Hobbs is officially questionable to play.”
Hobbs is battling a knee issue that kept him out of practice Wednesday and rendered him a limited participant on Thursday and Friday, per the team’s official injury report.
“Nate’s a dog. He’s a great competitor, and that’s why we got him,” Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said Friday. “He’s really worked hard at doing all the little things to put him in this position to potentially play on Sunday.”
Packers Were Thin at Cornerback Before Nate Hobbs’ Injury
Green Bay is already weak at the cornerback position, and losing one of their starters on the outside in Hobbs would make Sunday against a potent Lions offense that much more difficult for everyone involved.
The Packers added Hobbs this offseason on a four-year deal worth $48 million total. The 26-year-old was a fifth-round pick of the Las Vegas Raiders out of Illinois in the 2021 NFL draft and played his first four seasons with that franchise before becoming a free agent in March.
Pro Football Focus ranked Hobbs 73rd out of 116 cornerbacks who saw enough snaps to qualify at the position last season. His counterpart on the other side of the defense is Keisean Nixon, whom PFF ranked 62nd overall.
Green Bay has quality safeties, one of whom — second-year player Javon Bullard — is the likely nickel cornerback when the team puts five defensive backs on the field, which is a commentary on how thin the secondary was even before Hobbs’ injury.
Bo Melton and Carrington Valentine are the Packers’ second-string cornerbacks, while Robinson — a seventh-round rookie out of Tulane — joins the active roster as a depth option.
Micah Parsons Can Help Cover Up Injuries, Deficiencies in Packers Secondary
Green Bay has one of the better safety rooms in the league, so that should help cover up the step back at cornerback the secondary will take if Hobbs sits.
And if Parsons can play a meaningful role, that will also greatly aid the defensive backfield any time he can get pressure and force Jared Goff to throw the football sooner than he wants/make a mistake.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter updated the expectations for Parsons on Saturday.
“Micah Parsons, who is listed as questionable for Sunday due to a back injury, is expected to make his Packers’ debut vs. the Lions, but he also is not expected to be in on every down, per sources,” Schefter said. “The Packers still are figuring out how much to play him; it will be some, but not the full amount.”
Cam Newton Picks Baker Mayfield Over Jalen Hurts in Must-Win Game Debate
In a bold statement that’s shaking up the NFL quarterback conversation, former MVP Cam Newton has thrown his support behind Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield over Philadelphia Eagles' Jalen Hurts when it comes to a must-win scenario. The remarks were made during a recent appearance on ESPN’s
First Take, where Newton explained that if he had to pick a quarterback to lead his team in a do-or-die situation, he would choose Mayfield over Hurts.
While Hurts led the Eagles to a Super Bowl appearance last season and is widely regarded as one of the top quarterbacks in the league, Newton’s reasoning centers around Mayfield’s ability to perform in critical, high-pressure moments. Mayfield, who joined the Buccaneers this offseason, has already impressed with his early-season poise and efficiency.
“I’m going with Baker Mayfield if it’s a do-or-die situation,” Newton said. “I respect Jalen Hurts a lot, but when the game’s on the line, Mayfield has shown that he’s able to step up and make plays. He’s not just going through the motions, he’s playing with urgency, and we’ve seen him deliver when it counts.”
Mayfield has demonstrated his clutch ability in the first few weeks of the season, including leading the Buccaneers to multiple game-winning drives, an area where Hurts, while dominant, has yet to show the same level of consistency. With three game-winning drives already this season, Mayfield has proven that he can handle pressure, something Newton places a great deal of value on.
“Baker’s ability to deliver in the clutch is what makes him stand out,” Newton continued. “He’s already had multiple opportunities to seal games, and he’s done it. That’s something Jalen hasn’t had to do as often this season.”
On the other hand, Hurts has been nearly flawless in his play with the Eagles, leading them to a 3-0 record to start the season and racking up impressive stats, including over 1,100 passing yards and nine touchdowns. The Eagles are a more well-rounded team, with a defense that is playing at a high level and an offense that is explosive. Yet Newton argues that it’s not just about putting up great numbers — it’s about showing up when the game is on the line.
“Look, Hurts has been great,” Newton said. “But if I need someone to take the reins in a critical situation, I’m choosing Mayfield right now. He’s showing the ability to stay calm under pressure and deliver when it counts.”
Despite Newton’s confidence in Mayfield, Hurts’ Eagles are still viewed by many as the favorites in the NFC East and a team capable of making another deep playoff run. Hurts, with his leadership and consistent performances, has become one of the most reliable quarterbacks in the league. But Mayfield’s ability to lead the Buccaneers to wins in high-pressure situations has given him newfound respect, and Newton’s endorsement adds fuel to the fire of an already growing narrative around the 28-year-old quarterback.
The debate between Mayfield and Hurts is not just about which quarterback is better overall — it’s about who can perform in the most critical moments. As the season progresses, both quarterbacks will be tested in various high-stakes situations, and this discussion may only intensify as we move toward the playoffs.
As for Mayfield, this bold statement from Newton could serve as a springboard for his career in Tampa Bay. With the Buccaneers looking to make a playoff push, Mayfield’s ability to perform in clutch moments could define his legacy in Tampa Bay, just as it did for him in Cleveland. On the other hand, Hurts, with his proven track record, will have plenty of opportunities to prove why he’s considered one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks.
In the end, the matchup between these two quarterbacks may just be the most intriguing storyline of the season, with Mayfield and Hurts each looking to prove they are the ones to lead their team to glory. The football world is watching, and Newton’s pick has only added more fuel to this fascinating debate.
