Green Bay Packers $48 million starter had knee surgery: Report

Per Bill Huber of Sports Illustrated, Hobbs had surgery Monday evening as a preventative measure. Green Bay hopes he can return for Week 1 against the Detroit Lions.

“Subscribing to the notion that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, Green Bay Packers starting cornerback Nate Hobbs had a minor procedure done on his knee, a source told Packers On SI on Monday evening,” Huber wrote.

“He could return in about three weeks, giving him time to get back in the swing of things for the regular season. The procedure was more preventative than anything. Hobbs might have been able to play through it all season with no troubles… Hobbs and the team opted to take care of things now to ensure he’ll not only be ready for the season but be able to get through the season.”

The Packers signed Hobbs to a four-year deal worth $48 million in free agency in March. He’ll miss a lot of practice time with his new teammates and coaches in Green Bay this summer.

While not an ideal time to have the surgery, the procedure should allow Hobbs to be his best self throughout the upcoming season. The Packers need Hobbs on the field after releasing All-Pro cornerback Jaire Alexander this offseason.

On Monday, the Packers added depth at cornerback amid Hobbs’ injury by signing Corey Ballentine.