Brett Hundley's preseason opener in jeopardy

GREEN BAY - In a perfect world, a backup quarterback’s only meaningful snaps are played in preseason games.

The Green Bay Packers certainly aren’t expecting to see much of Brett Hundley once games count. Not with two-time MVP Aaron Rodgers around. So long as Rodgers is healthy, he’ll play.

But the preseason was expected to be an important stretch for Hundley, entering his second season after being drafted in the fifth round last year. The preseason is his chance to play. His chance to develop. So if there’s ever a time of year when injuries can be particularly problematic for a backup quarterback, it’s the preseason.

Hundley, who would’ve missed Sunday night’s game against the Indianapolis Colts if it weren’t canceled, has missed more than a week of practice with an ankle injury. He’s in serious jeopardy of missing Friday night’s preseason opener against the Cleveland Browns.

“Obviously, you don’t want to miss any (games),” quarterback coach Alex Van Pelt said. “So as a young player, you want to play in every game you have a chance to play in. But unfortunately injuries are part of our game.”

Coaches haven’t officially ruled Hundley out of Friday’s game. Though his last practice came Aug. 1, and it would be difficult to play after missing four straight, Van Pelt considered Hundley’s injury “day to day.”

Van Pelt said it’s important for Hundley to get as many preseason snaps as possible. He’d like to see the young quarterback build off of last season’s solid preseason, when Hundley threw seven touchdowns and one interception.

“Right now,” Van Pelt said, “it’s back to mental reps for him, which he took a lot of last year. He’s really been dialed in. He’s been preparing like he can start. I’m not sure if he’ll make it there (to Friday’s game) or not, but he’s doing all the right things that he can do under the right circumstances.

“I’m sure he’s as disappointed as anybody he’s not out there, because he knows what an opportunity he would have.”

rwood@gannett.com and follow him on Twitter @ByRyanWood