Jermichael Finley

Jordy Nelson's surgery was to clear up a lingering problem and done with the intention of having the receiver ready for the start of the regular season. He probably could not have waited any longer for the fix without having to sacrifice at least the season opener.

"Fortunately with Jordy, his particular thing that we had to go and fix is something that we have some experience with with some other guys here," Packers general manager Ted Thompson said. "So we think we can predict about the way it'll go, but you never know."

Neither Thompson nor coach Mike McCarthy was specific on what was ailing Nelson. His agent, Vann McElroy, did not return a phone message seeking comment. NFL.com reported it was a minor issue Nelson has been dealing with since his days at Kansas State.

Nelson ruptured a bursa sac in a knee in Super Bowl XLV and missed all but a handful of plays against Minnesota on Dec. 2 because of a knee injury, but has not suffered anything that kept him out for an extended period of time. The Packers are hoping this surgery ends any trouble he has been having with it.

"Our hope is for Jordy to be ready for the season opener at San Francisco," McCarthy said.

Fantasy owners shouldn't move Nelson down too far in their rankings, but he's certainly a less attractive pick in the 4th round of 12-team leagues. If he can play in Week 1, he will represent nice value in the 5th round, assuming he plays a full 16 games. Possible beneficiaries are Randall Cobb, James Jones and Jermichael Finley, but if Nelson misses any games, Jarrett Boykin is going to see the biggest spike in snaps and targets. He will be fantasy-relevant if any of the Packer receivers miss time.