Packers WR Davante Adams won't play against Vikings, could be done for season

GREEN BAY - Davante Adams won’t play Saturday night against the Minnesota Vikings. With two meaningless games left, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Green Bay Packers shut down their receiver for the rest of the season.

Adams presumably remains in concussion protocol after taking a vicious, blindside block from Carolina Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis. It's his second concussion this season induced by an illegal hit to his head, the first coming in September when Chicago Bears linebacker Danny Trevathan smashed his helmet into Adams’ head.

It's also Adams’ third concussion in the past 14 months. He returned without missing a game after the previous two concussions, even catching the game-winning touchdown in Dallas this season after Trevathan’s hit.

With the Packers eliminated from playoff contention, coach Mike McCarthy didn’t hesitate Thursday to rule out Adams for Saturday night.

If Adams’ season is finished, he left a strong impression entering free agency this spring. Adams ranks second in the NFL with 10 touchdown receptions, behind only Houston Texans receiver DeAndre Hopkins. He also has 74 catches (12th in NFL) for 885 yards (tied-16th).

A year ago, Adams finished 3 yards short of 1,000. He’d have a good chance of reaching 1,000 this season if not for his concussion. Regardless, Adams will be near the top of a strong free-agent receiver class.

McCarthy called Adams “our best perimeter player” on Wednesday, publicly acknowledging his value to the Packers beyond this season. Most impressive, Adams had 46 catches for 543 yards and five touchdowns in eight games with backup quarterback Brett Hundley throwing him passes this season.

When quarterback Aaron Rodgers went on injured reserve with a broken collarbone, Adams was the lone consistent threat in the passing game.

The Packers won’t have his presence Saturday night, and perhaps for the rest of the season. It’s up to them to ensure he’ll be back in 2018.