GREEN BAY, Wis. – Davante Adams is dealing with an injury to the same ankle that caused him problems last year, but the Green Bay Packers receiver thinks he can perform better this time around.

Adams sprained his left ankle in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s divisional-playoff win over the Dallas Cowboys. He returned to the game after getting it retaped but did not catch a pass after that.

He has not practiced at all this week leading up to the NFC Championship Game against the Atlanta Falcons and may not know whether he can play until Sunday. Coach Mike McCarthy said Adams would not practice before then, and it’s possible they won’t let Adams run on his ankle until a pregame workout to determine if he can play.

“It was pretty painful, but it’s not the worst,” Adams said. “Last year was definitely more difficult to deal with so far at this point.”

Last year, Adams missed three full games and parts of at least two others because of the ankle injury he sustained in Week 2 against the Seahawks. He tried to return the following week but lasted just three plays against the Chiefs and then missed the next three games. Even when Adams returned, he wasn’t as effective as he could have been.

This season, in Adams’ breakout year with 75 catches for 997 yards and 12 touchdowns, those around him say the difference was he’s been healthy.

“You trying to see if I’m going to play like last year because of my ankle?” Adams said Thursday. “I won’t be playing like last year. We’ll see how I’m feeling as we progress through the week.”

When asked how the injuries compared, Adams said: “It’s different, so it’s hard to compare the two, but I guess it’s similar. It’s an ankle sprain, but other than that it’s just in a different area. Just got to get some of that swelling, but for the most part, it’s just something that I’ve just got continue to nurse.”

Adams and fellow receiver Geronimo Allison (hamstring) were spectators at practice Thursday, while Jordy Nelson (ribs) practiced on a limited basis, according to the team’s official injury report, but was not in pads like the rest of the team. That’s an indication Nelson has not been cleared for contact.

Earlier Thursday, McCarthy said if this were a regular-season game, it’s unlikely any of the three would play. But Adams knows the stakes are much higher.

“I mean, it’s a big game,” Adams said. “It’s definitely going to have a lot to do with what’s going on come Sunday. But until then, I’m not sure.”