Packers' Nate Hobbs injures teammate one day after Matt LaFleur warned about aggressive style

The Green Bay Packers defense enters the season with some question marks, particularly in the cornerback room, which is shaping up to be one of the more intriguing storylines of training camp. One name drawing attention early is Nate Hobbs, a recent signing by the Packers in March. The team brought in Hobbs knowing there was uncertainty surrounding Jaire Alexander’s availability this season.

On Sunday, Hobbs stood out—not for a game-changing play, but for his intensity and aggressiveness during practice. Head coach Matt LaFleur acknowledged that Hobbs wasn’t acting with bad intentions but still felt the need to issue a warning.

“This is what I told him: 'I don't think it's malicious,’" LaFleur said. "One of the qualities that we really admired about him, is how he competes."

Hobbs’ aggressive style is evident during the season, but summer practices are not the time to put teammates at risk. He defended his approach to the game, emphasizing that he won’t change who he is.

“I just feel like it’s the nature of the game and if you playing it the right way, they gon’ have to tell you slow down,” Hobbs said. “Obviously you gotta be a pro about it. Obviously you need everybody on the team, but I’m a football player, man. I’m not gon’ stop being a football player.”

Unfortunately, that same aggressive mindset quickly became a concern. Just a day after LaFleur warned him, Hobbs was involved in a play Monday where he came in too aggressively and ended up hurting a teammate.

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“Toss play to Lloyd - Hobbs comes in aggressively and looks to bring him down and Lloyd is hurt. He walks off gingerly with a trainer,” Packer Report’s Andy Herman wrote.

This is not the kind of first impression Hobbs wanted to make in Green Bay. Injuring a teammate less than 24 hours after being told to tone it down raises questions about his discipline and awareness. Now, all eyes will be on how LaFleur responds to Hobbs’ actions and what it means for his place on the team moving forward.