The Green Bay Packers aren't the same team without Jordy Nelson.
The wide receiver's sore hamstring forced him to miss Sunday's 24-15 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, and his absence stole fire from the Packers' passing game.
Nelson again missed practice Wednesday. His status for Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals is uncertain, meaning Randall Cobb and James Jones currently are the top targets in Green Bay.
Hamstring ailments have a way of sticking around, and so do some of the other injuries listed in Wednesday's rundown:
- Jake Locker was limited in practice with the separated left shoulder that has kept him out since Week 5, and the Tennessee Titans already have ruled their quarterback out for Week 9. The season is slowly slipping away from the second-year pro. Left tackle Michael Roos returned to practice and wants to play this week, according to The Associated Press. Fellow linemen Fernando Velasco (concussion), Leroy Harris (knee) and David Stewart (knee) also are on the Titans' injury report.
- Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (knee) made an appearance on Wednesday's injury report, but he fully practiced and isn't a threat to miss Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins. Interim coach Bruce Arians told reporters that rookie tight end Coby Fleener (shoulder) and cornerback Vontae Davis (knee) will not play.
- For the Dolphins, quarterback Ryan Tannehill took first-team reps during the media portion of practice, three days after he suffered a hyperextended left knee and deep thigh bruise against the New York Jets. The rookie said he "felt good" but "not 100 percent," according to The Palm Beach Post.
- Cleveland Browns wide receiver Mohamed Massaquoi was back at practice. He has been a ghost this season, playing in just three games since suffering a hamstring injury in Week 3. Quarterback Brandon Weeden (groin, thigh) fully practiced, but running back Trent Richardson (ribs/chest) was limited.
- Reports suggested Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (hand) could be available in two weeks, but the rookie didn't practice. Bears coach Lovie Smith told the Chicago Tribune that Jeffrey could be out "a while."
- Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (ankle) and wide receiver Percy Harvin (hamstring) were limited in practice, but the team is only resting its two best players. Expect them both to take the field Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks.
- Jonathan Dwyer (quadricep) missed practice Wednesday and might have competition in the Pittsburgh Steelers' backfield. Rashard Mendenhall (Achilles) was limited in practice, and Isaac Redman (ankle) fully participated, meaning the Steelers suddenly have a deep and capable stable of backs. The team ruled out safety Troy Polamalu (calf) and right tackle Marcus Gilbert (ankle) for Sunday's meeting with the New York Giants.
- San Diego Chargers wide receiver Eddie Royal (hamstring) was listed as doubtful for Thursday night's game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Fellow receiver Robert Meachem is questionable with a hamstring injury. He's not alone: Cornerback Chris Carr (quadricep) is questionable, too.
- For the Chiefs, defensive end Glenn Dorsey (calf), tight end Steve Maneri (ankle) and cornerback Stanford Routt (hamstring) are questionable. Brady Quinn, of course, is out with the head injury that he suffered against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, leaving quarterback Matt Cassel to guide the hurting Chiefs into battle.
Follow Marc Sessler on Twitter @MarcSesslerNFL.
