Green Bay Packers linebacker Quay Walker. Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Packers get 100+ tackle defender back at practice for first time this offseason

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Robin M Adams | Last updated Aug 5, 2025 12:39 PM ET

The Green Bay Packers had some unfortunate injury news pop up overnight with reports that cornerback Nate Hobbs had undergone a minor knee procedure that will keep him out for a few weeks.

The former Las Vegas Raiders defensive back has missed 16 games over the past three seasons, and both he and the Packers felt that doing this preventative procedure now would give him a better chance of staying healthy all year.

With the NFL preseason set to begin this weekend, however, it is clear that he will not be available to play. They do anticipate Hobbs to be ready to go by the time Green Bay takes on the Detroit Lions in Week 1.

Aside from that unfortunate injury news, though, the Packers also got some good news as one of their most important defensive players is returning to practice for the first time on Tuesday.

Green Bay Packers Linebacker Quay Walker Is Practicing

2022 first-round pick, linebacker Quay Walker, had not been able to practice with the Packers at all during their offseason programs. He injured his ankle last season and needed surgery to fully repair it over the winter. The recovery forced him to sit out OTAs and start training camp on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.

A couple of weeks ago, Walker was activated from the PUP list, but did not start practicing due to needing to go through a ramp-up period.

On Tuesday, head coach Matt LaFleur told the media that Walker is going to begin practicing for the first time in training camp. That being said, he will still be limited:

Matt LaFleur says Quay Walker will return to 11-on-11 today for the first time in camp. He’ll be limited.

— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) August 5, 2025

Earlier this offseason, the Packers decided not to pick up Walker’s fifth-year option. This means that the 2025 NFL season will be the final year of his rookie contract, and he could hit free agency in 2026. However, Green Bay hopes to work out a long-term extension with Walker before that happens.

In three seasons, Walker has surpassed 100 tackles each year and has 6.5 career sacks. He is expected to be one of the Packers’ three starting linebackers this year, along with Edgerrin Cooper and Isaiah McDuffie.

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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