GREEN BAY — The Green Bay Packers are hoping that a preventative knee surgery will allow cornerback Nate Hobbs to be ready for the team’s Sept. 7 regular-season opener against the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field.

A source confirmed Monday night that Hobbs, whom the Packers signed to a four-year, $48 million free-agent deal in March, underwent the procedure last week, causing him to miss the team’s “Family Night” practice on Saturday. Hobbs’ surgery was first reported by Sports Illustrated.

The opener against the defending NFC North-champion Lions is 33 days away, and the timeline for Hobbs’ recovery is estimated to be three weeks. It’s unclear what exactly was amiss inside Hobbs’ knee. There was the possibility of Hobbs playing through the injury, the source said.

Hobbs will miss Saturday’s preseason opener against the New York Jets, as well as the other two remaining preseason games — Aug. 16 at Indianapolis and Aug. 23 at home against Seattle, as well as the scheduled joint practices with the Colts and Seahawks.

Looking to bolster their cornerback options, the Packers brought back Corey Ballentine on Monday, after Ballentine was released by the Colts.

A fifth-round pick by the Last Vegas Raiders out of Illinois in 2021, Hobbs’ aggressive, physical play style has prevented him from ever playing a full 17-game season in his NFL career. He played 16 games as a rookie, 11 games in 2022, 13 games in 2023 and 11 games last year.

Hobbs’ physical approach created a few issues early in camp because of collisions with wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks and backup running back MarShawn Lloyd, but the coaches like the edge he brings to the defense.

“I love him. He’s physical, he brings a toughness, he brings an edge, he brings a level of competitiveness,” defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley said. “He’s strong, he can get his hands on people, he can play inside, he can play outside.

“I just love the way the guy competes, and I love how physical and tough-minded he is. That’s how we have to play the game, and he fits that. I’m really glad he’s here.”

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