Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers must be happy to hear that one of his most reliable targets is trending towards playing this coming Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson exited early in last Sunday’s 34-23 road loss to the Atlanta Falcons after banging bodies with an Atlanta defender in the first quarter of the contest. He didn’t return to the field, causing concerns for his immediate availability for Green Bay’s date with the Bengals.

Mike Scofford of Packers.com, however, is reporting that Nelson was a full participant during the team’s practice on Wednesday, signifying a strong chance that the 10-year veteran would play in Week 3.

Moreover, Nelson also expressed cautious optimism about him being on the field against the Bengals.

“Today it feels a lot better than what it did on Sunday night, so everything is headed in the right direction,” Nelson said. “My expectations are to play, but you don’t know what can happen between now and then. That was my expectation when I came in here Monday morning as well.”

Although the Bengals are 0-2 to start the season, their record doesn’t reflect the outstanding defense, especially against the pass, they have this season, so the Packers are hoping Nelson would eventually be declared fit to play and help Green Bay dissect Cincinnati’s stop unit.

Green Bay is also dealing with the possible absence of wideout Randall Cobb (chest) for the next game, making Nelson’s status all the more closely watched.