Green Bay Packers’ rookie wide receiver Matthew Golden had a surprisingly quiet first half in Thursday Night Football’s clash with the Washington Commanders. Golden was expected to make an immediate impact in a young but promising receiving corps, but it appears he will need more time to get acclimated to the NFL level.
Is Matthew Golden Playing Tonight?
Yes, Golden is playing, and he’s not injured. The rookie wasn’t on the injury report coming into the game, but he’s been virtually shut out in the first half.
Golden finished the opening two quarters with no catches on two targets, despite being listed as a starter on the Packers’ official depth chart.
Golden’s biggest chance to make a mark came in the first quarter when Love targeted him in the end zone on a fourth-down throw. The ball was slightly underthrown and was broken up by rookie cornerback Trey Amos. Still, outside of that play, the rookie was hardly involved in Green Bay’s offense.
Trey Amos breaks up the 4th down pass ‼️
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While there’s no indication of an injury, it’s unusual to see a first-round talent with Golden’s pedigree and potential have such a limited role.
Golden was also quiet in Green Bay’s Week 1 win against the Detroit Lions. He played under 50% of the snaps and finished the game with two receptions on two targets for 16 yards.
The Packers have high hopes for Golden as a future go-to option in the passing game. He was the first wide receiver drafted by the Packers in the first round since Javon Walker in 2002.
However, his limited involvement through two quarters raises questions about how quickly he will be integrated into the passing scheme. This could be part of his adjustment to the speed of the NFL game or part of the game plan to attack Washington’s secondary.
Golden’s work may increase in the second half, especially with Reed leaving the game due to a shoulder injury. The Packers could lean on their rookie to help fill that void.
It’s still early in Golden’s career, and the Packers are unlikely to panic after a quiet start. In fact, he’s with one of the best organizations at developing wide receivers into stars. But given his pedigree and potential, the lack of early production remains one of the most surprising storylines in the NFL through two weeks.
