The Green Bay Packers’ offense has dealt with numerous injuries this season, and one of those has been rookie receiver Matthew Golden. After playing in each of the Packers’ first eight games of the season, Golden has missed three of the last four games and left the one game he did play in injured.
However, despite his injury-riddled season, Packers’ coach Matt LaFleur has been impressed with Golden’s ability to handle the adversity.
How has Matthew Golden Handled His Adversity?
The Packers drafted Golden in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft with the 23rd-overall pick right outside Lambeau Field.
The cheeseheads in attendance went wild as a first-round receiver has been what the fanbase has been waiting for for many years. The last time the Packers drafted a receiver in the first round of the Draft was in 2002.
However, with all of that excitement comes expectation. The Packers haven’t had a true No. 1 receiver since trading Davante Adams.
Golden hasn’t been that true No. 1 option so far, but it’s only his rookie season, and he’s made the most of his opportunities. The Packers rookie is ranked No. 18 in the NFL among all receivers, according to PFSN’s WR Impact. Golden hasn’t put up the biggest numbers, but he’s made them worth it.
However, Golden suffered an injury and missed Week 10. Then, he returned in Week 11 but left the game early and has missed the last two weeks.
“It’s been tough because he has been an explosive playmaker. In New York, he had a big reception. Unfortunately, there’s going to be adversity in this league, and some people face it earlier in their career than later,” LaFleur said.
He added, “I think his ability to be tough-minded – just mentally and physically tough – will allow him to overcome whatever challenges or adversity he’s faced.”
The Packers’ rookie suffered a shoulder injury against the Carolina Panthers and missed Week 10 against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Golden returned against the Giants in New York but left that game early. Now, he’s been out for the last two games. However, LaFleur said he could potentially return this week against the Chicago Bears.
On the season, Golden has four starts in the nine games he’s played. The rookie has 24 catches on 32 targets, for 286 yards. He’s also added 45 yards on eight carries in the run game.
Golden’s numbers don’t jump off the page, but he has a 17.3% catch rate over expectation, according to PFSN’s WR Impact, which ranks No. 4 in the NFL.
The young receiver has had some growing pains in his rookie season, but his head coach is confident he’ll come out stronger on the other side.