The energy around Lambeau Field is electric as fans wait to see if their rookie sensation can deliver when it counts. Matthew Golden has been the talk of training camp, turning heads with every route he runs. Now comes the moment everyone’s been waiting for: his first chance to show what he can do under the lights.
Will Matthew Golden Suit Up Against the Jets in the Packers’ Preseason Opener?
Barring any last-minute setback, Golden is expected to make his preseason debut on Saturday when the Packers host the Jets at Lambeau Field.
The 23rd overall pick has been one of the most talked-about players in camp, earning high praise from quarterback Jordan Love. “He’s gonna be a stud,” Love told ESPN’s Kevin Clark, adding that the rookie “came in really polished” with “very aggressive hands,” smooth routes, and legitimate speed.
Golden’s on-field role is expected to be brief but meaningful. Multiple reports note that Jets head coach Aaron Glenn plans to play his starters, setting up an early, high-quality test for the rookie.
What Can Fans Expect From Matthew Golden’s Debut?
Golden’s emergence has been rapid. After a standout 2024 season at Texas with 58 catches, 987 yards, and nine touchdowns, he entered Green Bay’s system already looking the part of a top option.
That polish has carried into camp, where he’s impressed in one-on-one drills against starting defensive backs and shown maturity beyond his years. As Yahoo Sports reported, Golden has turned practice into a classroom, regularly seeking feedback from cornerbacks he faces to refine his craft.
The Packers are known for easing rookies into major roles, but Golden’s performance is making that tradition hard to uphold. His speed, clocked among the fastest in this year’s class, and competitive approach have made him a fixture in first-team reps. Love and head coach Matt LaFleur have both emphasized the importance of building chemistry now, even if the preseason sample size is small.
Saturday’s matchup offers more than just a fan glimpse. For the coaching staff, it’s about confirming Golden’s ability to win against NFL-caliber press coverage, sync timing with Love under game pressure, and handle the pace against starting defenders. Every route, even in limited snaps, will help solidify his role heading into Week 1.
Kickoff is set for Saturday, August 9, at 8 p.m. ET at Lambeau Field. The game will air locally in Green Bay on WTMJ-TV and WGBA-TV and nationally on NFL Network, with streaming available on NFL+ and Kubo for out-of-market viewers. Fans outside the region should check local listings or the NFL+ app for availability.
