The Green Bay Packers‘ already-banged up cornerback room took another hit Sunday versus the Vikings when Keisean Nixon collided near full-speed with Devonte Wyatt on the sideline. The incident knocked Nixon out of the game and he did not return. In Monday’s practice he logged a DNP (neck) during the short week before a Thanksgiving matchup in Detroit. There is a real chance he does not suit up.
The better news is that Nate Hobbs was elevated to a limited participant, an encouraging sign. Hobbs has missed the last three games with a knee injury. Still, the fact that he is back in practice does not guarantee that he will be good to go three days from now.
If neither Hobbs nor Nixon is ready to put the pads on, sophomore cornerback Kamal Hadden could be in line for the biggest game of his career.
Green Bay Packers cornerback Kamal Hadden (36) and safety Kitan Oladapo (27) run through a drill during the second day of training camp on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at Ray Nitschke Field in Ashwaubenon, Wis.
Packers’ injuries could put Kamal Hadden on biggest stage of career
Hadden logged 31 snaps and made four tackles against Minnesota in his first defensive reps this season. He has appeared in four other games but only on special teams. For all the intrigue over his two-way status, Bo Melton has not taken the field for a defensive snap, per Football Reference. The Packers gave Hadden preference following Nixon’s injury, strongly suggesting that he will get the nod moving over Melton forward.
Given their injury situation, they may need to turn to him again in a pivotal clash against the Lions. Needless to say, it would be the brightest stage of Hadden’s NFL career.
As a rookie last season, Hadden played in just two games, and then only for a handful of special teams snaps. The 24-year-old defensive back was drafted in the sixth round, 211th overall, by the Chiefs out of Tennessee.
Jun 11, 2025; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers corner back Kamal Hadden (36) participates in the team’s minicamp at Ray Nitschke Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
The Packers may have been able to get by against JJ McCarthy and the Vikings, but going up against Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Jameson Williams will be a far tougher task. Green Bay will hope it doesn’t come down to Hadden, but if it does, the little-known sophomore will have a chance to make his mark in the team’s biggest game of the season thus far.
For More Great Wisconsin Content
Follow me on X at @ezsniper14 and follow us@WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports,click here!