Keisean Nixon’s status for Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots has suddenly become one of the biggest injury questions hanging over the Green Bay Packers.
The team’s latest update turned a manageable situation into a real concern. ESPN’s Rob Demovsky reported that the starting cornerback went from limited participation on Wednesday to a full absence on Thursday after suffering a groin injury in Green Bay’s Week 8 win over Carolina.
That came after Nixon already battled through a shoulder injury in last week’s Thursday night win over Carolina, when he missed only one snap. The groin problem is the new wrinkle, and it puts his Week 9 road availability in doubt.
Friday’s practice is now his last chance to show he’s ready. After that, Green Bay will make its final call and post his game status on the injury report before Sunday’s matchup with New England.
The Packers have had Nixon available every game over his five seasons in Green Bay, so even a one-game absence would be a meaningful loss. He has become the team’s top outside cornerback, and his coverage work has been a steady part of why the defense has helped push Green Bay to a 5-3 record.
Through the first eight games of 2026, opponents have completed 38 of 58 passes thrown his way, a 65.5% rate. But they’ve only averaged 8.8 yards per catch against him, and he’s posted a 73.6 passer rating allowed. Nixon has not given up a touchdown, and he’s added one interception and six pass breakups.
If he can’t go, the Packers would have to adjust on the fly in the secondary. Carrington Valentine would likely see a bigger workload against the Patriots on Sunday.
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