Packers Face Crucial NFC North Clash vs. Bears with Secondary Depth in Question
The stakes don’t get much higher than this in early December. With first place in the NFC North hanging in the balance, the Green Bay Packers are gearing up for a massive Week 14 showdown at Lambeau Field against the surging Chicago Bears. But as the Packers prepare for one of their most important games of the season, they’re staring down a potential problem in the secondary - and the timing couldn’t be worse.
Javon Bullard’s Status in Doubt
Rookie safety Javon Bullard has quietly become a cornerstone of Green Bay’s defense this year, especially in slot coverage. He’s played in all 12 games, racking up 59 tackles and providing a steady presence in the middle of the field.
But a lingering ankle injury has thrown his availability into serious doubt. After being limited in Wednesday’s practice, Bullard was nowhere to be seen on Thursday - a concerning sign just days before kickoff.
If Bullard can’t go, the Packers will be forced to reshuffle a secondary that’s already running thin. That’s where Nate Hobbs comes into the picture.
Nate Hobbs: Time to Step Up
Hobbs, who signed a four-year, $48 million contract with Green Bay in the offseason, was brought in to help solidify the cornerback room following the departures of Jaire Alexander and Eric Stokes. On paper, the move made sense.
Hobbs had been a productive player in Las Vegas, known for his physicality and versatility. But so far, the return on investment hasn’t matched the price tag.
A Grade 1 MCL sprain has kept Hobbs sidelined for the past four games, and even before the injury, his play had been underwhelming. According to Pro Football Focus, he’s posted a 56.8 overall grade this season - not exactly what the Packers were hoping for when they handed him that deal.
With Bullard likely out and the CB depth chart looking razor-thin behind Carrington Valentine and Keisean Nixon, Hobbs has a golden opportunity to change the narrative. If he’s healthy enough to return this week, there’s no better time to prove he can still be the impact player the Packers thought they were getting.
A Look Back - and Forward
Hobbs’ track record with the Raiders shows he’s capable of more. In his first three seasons, he topped 70 tackles each year and added three sacks, three forced fumbles, three interceptions, and 19 passes defended.
That’s the kind of production that made him a coveted free agent. But so far in Green Bay, the numbers tell a different story: 14 receptions allowed on 22 targets, 202 yards, two touchdowns, and a brutal 123.7 passer rating when targeted - the ninth-worst among corners with at least 150 coverage snaps, per PFF.
The Packers don’t need him to be a shutdown corner on Sunday. They just need him to be solid.
Reliable. A stabilizing force in a secondary that could be without one of its most consistent contributors.
And with the Bears’ offense averaging 26.1 points per game - eighth-best in the league - Green Bay can’t afford to have any weak links in the back end.
A Defining Moment Ahead
This game isn’t just big for the Packers as a team - it’s big for Hobbs personally. A strong showing in Bullard’s absence could go a long way toward reshaping how his season is viewed and re-establishing his role in the defense moving forward. It’s a chance to flip the script, not just for this week, but for the rest of the year.
Green Bay’s playoff hopes - and its grip on the division - may very well hinge on how well its patchwork secondary holds up against a confident Bears offense. If Hobbs is back on the field, all eyes will be on No. 29 to see whether he can rise to the moment.
For the Packers, this isn’t just another game. It’s a measuring stick. And for Nate Hobbs, it could be a turning point.