The news was handed out today that wide receiver Jeff Janis has sustained a fracture to at least one of the bones in his right hand. A blow to the many Jeff Janis faithful around the Green Bay Packers. It is also a major hit to the Jeff Janis versus Jared Abbrederis battle that has ensued since the beginning of last season. It appeared as if Janis had the leg up heading into the 2016 season after his twilight zone performance in Arizona (seven receptions, 145 yards, two touchdowns) and his superior gunning on special teams. Things have fizzled down for the Janis camp, and he may be on the chopping block soon.
Jeff Janis Fractures Chances in Green Bay
What happened
After practice Wednesday, Janis was seen with an ice pack wrapped around his right hand and stated that his hand “got a little jammed up” during some ball security drills. According to Rob Demovsky of the Green Bay Packers, he could miss “significant” time and potentially be out for the remainder of the pre-season. Which raises the question of does Green Bay keep Janis on the roster or is it time to move on?
What Janis brings to the team
Janis is entering his third year as a wide receiver for the Packers. Will he be able to transition into the wide receiver that so many Packers hope he can be? He’s got great size (6’3) and dynamic speed. The measurables are there. It’s his route running and lack of ability to read defenses that continues to plague him. He is hostage to only running 9-routes. For an offense that is based solely on timing routes and trust, his ability and now lack of time will only hinder his chances on the team. There is no mystery of what to expect when Janis lines up on the field. He is more of a decoy than a threat.
Where does Janis fit in now?
With the injury, Abbrederis moves into the fifth spot behind Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, Davante Adams, and Ty Montgomery. Rookie wide receivers Trevor Davis will most likely assume the sixth position on the depth chart and could hold it with a good pre-season. At this point the only reason that Ted Thompson decides to keep Janis on the squad is strictly for Special Team services. He had a spectacular year last year and could utilize his talents there.
What to expect
The journey back is going to be a tough one for Janis. He started from the bottom, made his way up a bit, and is now back again at the bottom. If he is able to redeem himself and come back to make the team, I think his fandom will go to the next level. But as we have learned before, the love of a player can only go so far. It’s what they bring to the field that truly matters. Championships are what belong in Green Bay. Not charity cases for players we like. His best chance, unfortunately, will be an injury to someone else.
It was a make or break season for Janis and it may have just broke.
Main Photo:
