Last week, there was considerable tension between the Green Bay Packers and wide receiver Romeo Doubs, but it seems the two sides have reached a resolution.
Frustrated with his role in the offense, Doubs missed several practices leading up to the Packers’ Week 5 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. In response, Green Bay suspended Doubs for that game.
Both general manager Brian Gutekunst and head coach Matt LaFleur recently stated that the team planned to retain Doubs and expected him to return. On Monday, October 7, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reported the latest development in the situation between the team and the player.
“#Packers WR Romeo Doubs plans to attend Wednesday’s practice coming out of his meeting with the team today, per source,” Fowler posted on X. “The meeting ‘went well,’ the source added.”
Jayden Reed, the Packers’ primary slot receiver, leads the team with 414 receiving yards. He has recorded 21 catches on 28 targets and 2 receiving touchdowns. Doubs, however, has fallen to third in production, surpassed by tight end Tucker Kraft, who posted 88 yards and 2 TDs on Sunday.
Through four games, Doubs has 12 receptions on 20 targets for 169 yards with no touchdowns. Had he played Sunday and kept to his season averages, Doubs would have 15 catches for 211 yards over five games.
The lack of red-zone targets for Doubs can be attributed to the Packers’ depth among pass-catchers. For example, Dontayvion Wicks has 29 targets and only 10 catches, but 3 of those receptions have resulted in touchdowns.
Additionally, quarterback Jordan Love’s absence in Weeks 2 and 3, during which backup Malik Willis started, reduced pass attempts significantly.
Matt LaFleur Addresses Romeo Doubs’ Situation
On Monday, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur spoke to the media regarding Doubs’ situation, describing it as an “isolated incident.”
“I’m not going to go into the details, but I think it was a productive meeting, and we look forward to having him back on Wednesday,” LaFleur said. “What’s done is done, and we’re moving forward. I expect the team as a whole to continue moving in that direction.”
The Packers are set to host the Arizona Cardinals at Lambeau Field in an early game next Sunday.
Christian Watson Likely to Miss Week 6
Wide receiver Christian Watson also missed Green Bay’s game against the Rams due to an ankle injury suffered in Week 4 against the Minnesota Vikings. His absence may extend over multiple games.
While Watson’s absence hurts the Packers’ passing game, it could offer Doubs more opportunities, especially with Love healthy and back at quarterback.
Love, averaging 40 pass attempts and 3 touchdown passes per game in his two starts since returning from a Week 1 knee injury, will look to exploit the Cardinals’ secondary. Arizona ranks 21st in the league in passing yards allowed (1,124) and 31st in completion rate, allowing opposing quarterbacks to complete 72.5% of their passes, according to NFL.com.
Green Bay is likely to target those weaknesses, potentially leading to big performances from Doubs and other Packers receivers this Sunday.