The Green Bay Packers will have to fill a huge void in their offense as wide receiver Jordy Nelson was confirmed to miss the entire 2015 season after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in their preseason game Sunday.
Nelson suffered the injury when he landed awkwardly following a reception against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
It was a non-contact injury and Nelson limped after, according to ESPN, but had the strength to head to the locker room without assistance; although he never returned to the game.
According to ESPN, it was a bit surprising that Nelson tore the ACL in his right knee when he seemed to have landed on his left knee during the reception.
The Packers posted this statement on their website to confirm the news: "It was determined that WR Jordy Nelson sustained a significant right knee injury in yesterday's game at Pittsburgh. He will miss the remainder of the season."
Packers star quarterback Aaron Rodgers said following their preseason game against the Steelers, "It's difficult to lose a guy like that in a meaningless game."
ESPN added that Nelson will undergo reconstructive surgery but will likely be ready for the 2016 season.
The 30-year-old wide receiver was a huge part of the Packers' offense last season as he had 98 receptions for 1,519 yards and 13 touchdowns.
In Nelson's absence, likely replacements for him among other candidates are wide receivers Randall Cobb and second year player Davante Adams.
Cobb will be entering his fifth season this 2015. Last season, he had 91 receptions for 1,287 yards with 12 touchdowns, while Adams had 38 receptions for 446 yards and three touchdowns.
After playing their first two preseason games on the road, the Packers will head home to Lambeau Field on Aug. 29 to take on the Philadelphia Eagles and are looking for their second victory.
They will close their preseason at home on Sept. 3 against the New Orleans Saints before their 2015 campaign begins on Sept. 13 facing the Chicago Bears.
