The Packers did not make any notable moves at this year’s trade deadline. For the most part, they didn’t need to. Cornerback, however, is one position where adding more than practice squad-caliber depth could have helped. With Nate Hobbs absent from practice all week and again on Saturday, he appears to be in real jeopardy of missing Monday’s game. Failing to address those concerns looks like a problematic oversight.
Lack of trade activity looks worse with Hobbs’ continued injury problems
Hindsight is 20-20, except when the issues of the present could be clearly foreseen. Following knee surgery in training camp, Hobbs has been banged up all season and played poorly when in action. Surprise, surprise, those issues seem likely to continue, extending his track record of availability concerns.
Oct 19, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Nate Hobbs (21) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Packers have gotten excellent work from Carrington Valentine in his place, and Keisean Nixon has graded out above average as the other starter. After that, however, the depth chart is precariously thin.
Who will take Hobbs’ place if he can’t go on Monday, and if/when he is unable to in the future? Bo Melton, the converted receiver? Not great.
Hobbs himself hasn’t even been much involved in the Green Bay secondary. A week after logging just four snaps in Pittsburgh, Hobbs was up to 19 last week versus the Panthers – up to 19. Even when available, Hobbs isn’t a guy the Packers should count on.
Does that mean they were supposed to go out and overspend on a Pro Bowl replacement? Of course not. But boosting their depth would have been advisable. They split the difference by adding rookie cornerback Tyron Herring to the practice squad. Who? Yeah, that’s not splitting the difference.
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan is unable to catch a would-be touchdown while being covered by Green Bay Packers cornerback Nate Hobbs (21) during the second quarter of their game Sunday, November 2, 2025 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Hobbs hasn’t been up to snuff, but the Packers still need a serviceable CB3. Whenever he ends up on the sidelines – again – they’ll have to pray Valentine and Nixon get through games unscathed.
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