2016 Stats

• Appeared in 5 games, 1 catch, 8 yards
• Pro Football Focus: 54.7/100

Expectations going into the season: High
Expectations were: Not Met

Analysis: Another injury ends Abbrederis’ career with Packers

If you gambled and bought Jared Abbrederis’ jersey after he was drafted by the Packers, I’m sorry.

The third-year wide receiver suffered his third in-season injury in as many years that forced him to miss substantial time. After being placed on injured reserve in mid-October, Abbrederis was released two weeks later with an injury settlement.

Abbrederis was the first Wisconsin Badger drafted by the Packers since 2001, when guard Bill Ferrario was selected in the fourth round. 

After a promising performance to end last season in the playoffs against the Arizona Cardinals, Abbrederis saw just 24 offensive snaps over the five games he appeared in.

The table was set for him to play a big part in the offense, given Jeff Janis was solely on special teams with a broken hand and rookie Trevor Davis was still learning the playbook.

It just didn’t happen. Ultimately, practice squad receiver Geronimo Allison leapfrogged all three to become the Packers fourth receiver by season’s end.

Given Abbrederis’ below-average size and speed, he didn’t offer Green Bay enough of an athletic advantage to warrant playing time over the speedy Davis, athletic Janis and promising Allison.

Traditionally, the wide receivers on the bottom of the depth chart have brought something unique to the table. Jarrett Boykin had some of the largest hands in professional football, Jeremy Ross was a talented kick and punt returner, and Brett Swain had the best hair in the business. Abbrederis had good hands, but a propensity to find the trainer’s table more often than the end zone. 

After recovering from a thigh bruise suffered in October, he tried out for the Chicago Bears and New England Patriots in early December. After the season ended, he signed a futures contract with the Detroit Lions, and will try to catch on next season.