default-cbs-image

The Packers kicked off training camp Tuesday without arguably their second-most important player on the field. Jordy Nelson, the team's No. 1 wideout who tore his ACL last August, began training camp on the physically unable to perform list.

The news of Nelson's lack of a complete recovery shouldn't be considered alarming, at least not yet. It's just July and the Packers actually have five -- not four -- preseason games this summer. Plenty of time exists for Nelson to return to the fold.

Perhaps that's why Packers head coach Mike McCarthy expressed no concern over Nelson's status.

A little later, Nelson provided a positive update.

With that being said, it might not be right to be optimistic about Nelson's upcoming season. He's not just a receiver coming off an injury, he's a 31-year-old receiver coming off an ACL tear who is expected to save the Packers' offense, which experienced a down-year without Nelson.

In 2014, quarterback Aaron Rodgers accumulated a 112.2 passer rating and averaged 8.4 yards per pass. In 2015, Rodgers posted a career-low 92.7 passer rating and a career-low 6.7 yards per pass. The Packers' offense ranked 23rd in yards gained and 15th in points scored.

If the Packers are hoping Nelson's return solves all of their issues, they might be disappointed. Over the course of last season, CBS Sports' Pete Prisco took multiple looks at the game-film to pinpoint the cause of their woes. More than one factor played a role -- the line allowed the fifth-most sacks, Davante Adams couldn't catch a football, and Eddie Lacy experienced some weight-related issues -- but standing above all of them was the Packers' system itself.

Here's what Prisco wrote in November:

The Packers are big on isolation routes, with little in terms of bunch formations or pick plays. They spread out the receivers and allow Rodgers to go through his progressions. That's all well and good when receivers win, but that isn't happening much anymore.

And here's what Prisco wrote in January:

The Packers have a system that uses mostly isolation routes, which means the receivers have to beat their man coverage with their speed and their ability to run routes, rather than help from a pick or a rub or a bunch formation.

That didn't happen much last season. Still, by the sound of it, the Packers' system won't undergo a transformation.


In theory, Nelson's return should alleviate the issues of last season. With Nelson on the field, Randall Cobb won't attract the top corners. If the passing game then reaches it previous heights, defenses won't be able to stack the box against the run. To put it simply, it's a heck of a lot easier to be productive with one of the best receivers in the game, especially when an offense relies on isolation routes.

But, again, it seems as if we're all just expecting the Packers offense to return to glory because Nelson is coming back. Maybe, when he does return, he will get back to his pre-injury ways (98 catches, 1,519 yards, 13 touchdowns in 2014). Or, maybe he'll look like a 31-year old receiver who tore his ACL a year ago.

The first option shouldn't be considered a complete guarantee.