Packers Face Preseason Setback as Key Safety Likely Out for Camp

The Green Bay Packers may have to continue training camp without their two top defensive stars. After Nate Hobbs went down with an injury just a few days ago, the Packers key 2023 free agent signing is following suit.

While his durability has never been questioned, Green Bay is taking a cautious approach. A lingering issue will keep this 27-year-old sidelined for most likely all three preseason games.

Xavier McKinney Joins Nate Hobbs in Quest to Return by Week 1

Green Bay went out and signed Xavier McKinney for $67 million last season. Not only did McKinney play in every game, but he was one interception high of the NFL lead. The Alabama graduate made history with an INT in each of his first five games with the Packers.

The New York Jets are coming to Lambeau Field on Saturday, August 9. It will be each team’s first game of the preseason as the Jets know they won’t have to face two of Green Bay’s key defensive pieces. While head coach Matt LaFleur did confirm that some starters will be playing, it will be neither Hobbs nor McKinney.

Last season, the Packers gave up just 17 points in their two preseason wins. Their other game was a lopsided, 27-2 defeat to the Denver Broncos. Regardless, it’s a Packers defense that is more than capable of holding their own weight.

McKinney not playing is notable for a few reasons. As previously mentioned, he played all 17 games with Green Bay last season. That marks back to back 17 game seasons for the 2020 2nd round pick after playing just nine games in 2022. Even though that was a down year, he’s played all 17 games in three of his last four seasons.

The Packers safety believes he’ll be able to return by Week 1 against the Detroit Lions. Last season, he didn’t record an INT in either of those games. In total, he had 13 tackles. All four of his solo tackles came in the Week 14 matchup.

McKinney Comments On His Injury Status

Knowing this has been a lingering issue, the team decided to stop things now. McKinney commented, “Obviously glad that we caught it when we caught it, so just kind of trying to take it slow and then the build-up, obviously,”

“But I’ll be ready when it’s time to go, for sure,” he added. McKinney confirmed the severity of the injury, “It was just something like just lingering a little bit over time, and that’s really all it really was.”

ESPN.com’s Rob Demovsky added notes about Jayden Reed and Elgton Jenkins did not practice on Thursday, August 7. Even though LaFleur said most starters would be playing, Demovsky believes that Reed and Jenkins will join the likes of Hobbs and McKinney on the sidelines.

The other key injury on this team is Christian Watson. While he’s started to run routes again, Watson likely won’t return until the halfway point of the 2025 season. Knowing his injury history, the Packers will be in no rush to get him back.

McKinney did leave room for a Week 3 preseason return, but one that seems unlikely. Regardless of if he plays against Seattle or not, the Packers priority remains getting both McKinney and Hobbs back by Sunday, September 7.