After selecting Matthew Golden in the first round of April’s draft, the Green Bay Packers suddenly found themselves loaded at wide receiver. The surplus even had fans speculating which of Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson, or Dontayvion Wicks could be traded to address needs in other areas.
What had seemed like a deep wide receiver group for the Green Bay Packers has quickly turned into a potential headache. As the old saying goes, roster crowding tends to resolve itself. That appears to be the case again, with the team announcing Tuesday that Christian Watson will likely open the year on the PUP list. Jayden Reed was recently spotted in a walking boot, and Romeo Doubs is now coping with back trouble that cut short his most recent practice.
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Those three receivers were expected to play major roles for Jordan Love this season, yet all now face uncertainty for Week 1. Doubs later said his back problem was not too serious, but his long injury history makes it difficult for Packers fans to believe he will be ready. With the roster thinning, Green Bay could be forced into a difficult position, relying on a rookie to help lead an offense with championship ambitions.
Matthew Golden stepping up for the Packers
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None of this speaks to Golden’s talent or potential in the NFL. He remains a thrilling prospect, with positive reviews coming in since his first practice in Green Bay. Still, the adjustment to the league is demanding, and it is a significant challenge for any rookie to step right into a leading role. With a fully healthy roster, the Packers could bring Golden along gradually, using a rotation of skilled weapons to highlight his strengths while minimizing the areas where he still needs development.
He became the first wide receiver the Packers selected in the first round since 2002, and that distinction brought a massive payday. His four-year, $17.5 million rookie deal is fully guaranteed, including a $9.42 million signing bonus.
Now, however, that advantage may no longer be available. Watson and Reed appear set to miss at least the opening week, and although Doubs may have escaped serious harm on Tuesday, injuries have followed him throughout his young career. It is not difficult to picture Golden, Wicks, and rookie Savion Williams lining up with Love when September arrives. That is a daunting scenario, even if Golden and Williams hold plenty of promise for the years to come.
