AP

Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb is trying to work, but he’s approaching the point where it’s reasonable to wonder if he’s able to do so effectively.

Cobb was visibly in pain during practice Tuesday, the first signs of the right biceps injury which has cost him some practice time and kept him out of the preseason opener.

“I have some pain,” Cobb said, via Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “I’m dealing with that. The hardest part for me is that I’m a tough guy. I don’t like missing practice. I’m trying to be smart and tough and that’s a little bit difficult for me. I understand I have some limitations and have to be smart about it, but it’s difficult.”

Cobb said one part of it will be talking with the coaches and training staff about his condition, so they can determine whether he’s best served by rest or pushing through.

“There’s a line between being tough and being smart, and I think us collectively together, between the coaching staff, myself and the training staff, we have to figure out what that line is,” he said. “We’re playing with it right now. I’ve got to take it upon myself personally to be smarter with my communication with the coaching staff.”

Cobb emerged as a trusted receiver last year, and it’s admirable that he wants to keep working after going through some drops. But he also has take the long view of this, and the fact the Packers are counting on him more heavily matters now.