Reports: Green Bay Packers WR Jared Abbrederis suffers knee injury, possible torn ACL

Jared Abbrederis and the Green Bay Packers seemed like a match made in Wisconsin football heaven when he was selected in the fifth round of May's NFL Draft. The former Badger was one of UW's greatest all-time receivers, and with many seeing Abbrederis as an ideal slot receiver with the Packers, fans were thrilled to see how high on Green Bay's depth chart he'd be able to climb.

Unfortunately, early reports indicate Abbrederis' progress might be halted before it ever really caught steam. According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Bob McGinn, Abbrederis was diagnosed with a torn ACL Friday morning. The injury reportedly happened in Thursday's practice, and McGinn reports the team is awaiting results of more diagnostic tests before confirming the injury.

A torn ACL would almost assuredly land the Wautoma, Wisconsin, native on injured reserve, prematurely ending his rookie season. That would especially crushing considering Abbrederis seemed to have a solid first five practices in training camp. Various observers have said Abbrederis, now listed at 6'1, 195 pounds, played stronger than advertised and was set to possibly be a factor in the punt return game.

SB Nation's Packers site Acme Packing Company has more on how the injury would affect the wide receiving group:

In the meantime, the Packers are lucky enough that this injury does not appear to be a major blow to their receiving corps, as Abbrederis was expected to be no higher than fifth on the team's receiver depth chart. Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, and Jarrett Boykin are all established veterans, and the team drafted fellow wideout Davante Adams in the second round this year.

Unfortunately, the hometown kid's dream of playing for the Packers looks like it will be put on hold for the coming season. We wish Jared the best of luck in his recovery.

Keep it posted to Acme Packing Company for further updates on Abbrederis.