Packers' Randall Cobb off IR, likely to play vs. 49ers

Green Bay Packers veteran wide receiver Randall Cobb returned to the practice field in late December but still hasn't played since he underwent core muscle surgery coming off a win over the Los Angeles Rams on Nov. 28. It appears that's about to change at the most important part of the NFL year. 

Per Rob Demovsky of ESPN, the Packers activated Cobb off injured reserve Thursday and expect the 31-year-old will be available for Saturday's home playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers. 

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers likely won't have all of his weapons on the field, though, as fellow wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling was listed as doubtful due to the back injury he picked up in Week 18.

Cobb remarked that he could've played in the regular-season finale against the Detroit Lions if necessary, but the Packers had already secured the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs and a bye before that matchup. The break gave Cobb an extra week to get right before Saturday's showdown at Lambeau Field. 

Across 12 games this season, Cobb tallied 28 receptions for 375 yards. According to ESPN stats, he finished third among Green Bay receivers with five touchdown catches.