The Packers promoted Max McMaffrey -- son of former Bronco wideout Ed McCaffrey, yes we're old -- from the practice squad yesterday, but it looks like he's an insurance policy. Jordy Nelson (ribs), Davante Adams (ankle) and Geronimo Allison (hamstring) are all expected to be active and play against Atlanta.
That's the story from the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, anyway. What's less clear -- information that would be useful to those hoping to start any of these receivers -- is how much they'll play. Nelson will wear a flak jacket and his availability will be an issue of pain tolerance (or whether he takes another big hit during the game). Adams has played through ankle injury before, and this one isn't as severe as a previous one.
I had figured Nelson was the iffiest to play, but it might actually be Allison. Hamstring injuries, easy to aggravate and not be able to play. He's the guy I definitely wouldn't use.
I think there's considerable risk in using Nelson and Adams, too, which is why Randall Cobb and Jared Cook are the pass catchers I'm using in my daily lineups. But with Nelson, there's at least some risk-reward potential -- a lot of people will shy away, but if he's out there and can avoid a big shot to those ribs, he's a candidate to catch a touchdown in a near-certain shootout.
It's an issue of pain tolerance for Nelson, and risk tolerance for fantasy teams. I'm avoiding him and Adams. But if you have enough lineups going, might make sense to stick him into one of them -- assuming he's active -- and see what happens.
--Andy Richardson