Packers closer to getting pivotal playmaker back from injury

According to ESPN’s Rob Demovsky, Packers cornerback Nate Hobbs was a limited participant in practice on Thursday, for the first time since undergoing surgery to repair an injured meniscus.

The Packers are betting big that Hobbs’ presence will upgrade the secondary, and the veteran could soften the blow from Green Bay moving on from Jaire Alexander earlier this spring.

Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley came away impressed by Hobbs earlier this spring.

“Nate can play outside and Nate can play inside. We’re going to have him do both,” Hafley told reporters, back in May. “When you’re getting ready for free agency and you’re evaluating tape, that’s one thing you love about him. He’s had a lot of success inside, and I thought his tape outside was equally as good. He is competitive, he’s tough, he is physical, he plays the game fast. You can tell he loves it. It just jumps off the tape. I don’t know if you guys watched any of it, but it certainly jumps off the tape the way the guy plays. And he’s been a great addition, and he does give you that versatility where you can move him around. And again, I’m a big fan of that.”