Monday, December 8: Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (center) throws a pass to wide receiver Jordy Nelson (left) during the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Lambeau Field.
It didn't look or sound all that serious in the moment, when Green Bay Packers receiver Jordy Nelson caught a pass in space and immediately dropped to his knees during a preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
He limped gingerly to the sidelines as the commentary crew speculated about an injured ankle.
No such luck.
Nelson would miss the entire 2015 season with a torn ACL after spending four seasons as Aaron Rodgers' go-to target, a combination that has led to success and accolades for all involved.
Less than a year later, Nelson says he's ready to get back to business.
"Obviously they're being smart. They're probably doing the right thing, but you always push the limit," Nelson said. "I can do whatever I want. We're cutting, we're running routes. To me we're same as full speed."
But there's more to Rodgers and Nelson's connection than route-running and cuts, their on-field relationship has plenty of quirks too.
"We missed a year together," Rodgers said, matter-of-factly, as the Packers reconvened for OTAs last week. "There'll be some extra time we put together, working on stuff and the little nuances we've added, and just getting familiar with the body language and the break points and the different things."
Rodgers said that they'll be spending some extra time together this summer in order to reestablish those nuances, and for good reason.
The Packers passing game fizzled out last season without Nelson, as a banged up Randall Cobb led the receiving corps with just 829 yards and six touchdowns, while returning veteran James Jones and a supporting cast of youngsters rounded out the depth chart.
"We've played a lot of football together, but it'll be important that we spent a little extra time, whether it's here on the side when we can this summer, or in training camp we'll make sure we put in the extra time to make sure we're on the same page," Rodgers said.
At this stage, Nelson said, it's all about reps.
"It takes repetition, and getting rhythm," he said. "You want to be out there catching balls with the receivers and not just running around on air for fun."
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