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.
As expected, Nate Hobbs was absent from practice all week and again on Saturday. Head coach Matt LaFleur said on Monday – before the deadline passed – that Hobbs is looking at a likely two-game minimum absence due to an MCL sprain (knee) that forced him to leave the Panthers game. Though Hobbs hasn’t been ruled out, he is unlikely to take the field against the Eagles.
In the wake of the deadline, there has been no miraculous update on Hobbs’ status. More than ever, failing to address concerns at cornerback looks like a perplexing decision on the part of the Packers’ front office.
Lack of trade activity looks worse with Hobbs’ continued injury problems
Hindsight is 20-20, but some issues of the present could be clearly foreseen. The Packers knew Hobbs was likely to miss games before the deadline expired, not after. Still, they did nothing. 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, of course, 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 assuming 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 before leaving hurt. 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 and, when healthy, he is at least a more inspiring choice than Melton. Whenever Hobbs ends up on the sidelines – again – Green Bay will just have to pray Valentine and Nixon get through games unscathed.
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