It was only a matter of time before news of a Packers player choosing to sit the 2020 season. The question was more about who. Devin Funchess has announced via his instagram that he will not be playing in 2020.
Funchess states how the decision was not an easy one for him, but at the end of the day he knew what he had to do. He puts his family and their health first which is very respectable. Funchess thanks the Packers for letting him be a part of their organization. Funchess will be back in 2021 ready to work. However, from a strictly football standpoint, the Packers now have a spot open at the receiver position. Funchess was expected to compete for the number two role with Allen Lazard. Now that Funchess will not be playing it gives opportunities for other players to earn the wide receiver two spot, or even make the roster in general.
WR2
Its pretty clear at this point that with no preseason and limited camp that Allen Lazard is the favorite to be the guy behind Adams. Whether it remains like that for 16 games is the real question. Popular to contrary belief the Packers are loaded with potential and talent at wideout. Equanimeous St. Brown and Marquez Valdes-Scantling are the first guys that come to mind when it comes to competing with Lazard. However, there are names like Reggie Begelton and Jake Kumerow who now have a better shot a locking down a roster spot.
The Packers typically take six to seven wide receivers on the 53 man roster. Adams, Lazard, EQ, and MVS seem like locks to make the team. That leaves two to three spots open as opposed to one or two if Funchess was playing. Not to mention, potential playing time for those players. The question is who will be the two or three guys who make the team behind the top four.
Reggie Begelton
Packers fans already know what Jake Kumerow can do, so the name that could shock a lot of fans this season is Reggie Begelton. He is coming off an amazing campaign in 2019 with 1,444 yards and ten touchdown. However, the reason many people don’t know who he is is because the Packers signed him this offseason from the CFL. Begelton is 26 years old and has chip on his shoulder. Now with a spot open in the receiver room, expect Begelton to earn a spot on the roster and turn some heads at training camp. If the Packers can get solid play out of the new wide receiver they give themselves a potential option if MVS continues to struggle or EQ isn’t the same right away after injury.
Overall
Devin Funchess made the decision that was best for his family, and should not be looked at negatively at all for it. He understands that he has the option to keep himself and his family safe and he took it. However, his absence could prove big time for a guy like Reggie Begelton.
As Always
Make sure to follow me on twitter @Aaliyan525 and follow us @WiscoHeroics1 for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here.
