The Green Bay Packers are in the midst of a COVID-19 crisis wreaking havoc on their wide receiver corps. Davante Adams tested positive on Monday, which rules him out on a short week. Due to the NFL’s unvaccinated player rules, Allen Lazard is also out as a close contact. That leaves Randall Cobb as potentially the Packers’ WR1 in a juicy fantasy football matchup. Can you trust him Thursday night against the Cardinals?
Randall Cobb has Aaron Rodgers’ trust
Without Adams and Lazard, it’s easy to look at Cobb as Aaron Rodgers’ primary option. After all, they have a history that goes back a decade. Rodgers trusts Cobb and is the reason he was traded back to Green Bay.
Despite the trust factor, Randall Cobb hasn’t been very involved
With that being said, Cobb’s recent usage isn’t exactly encouraging. Of course, things are much different without Adams and Lazard. Nevertheless, Cobb is averaging a sub-50% snap share. Outside of Week 4 against the Steelers (Cobb caught 5 receptions for 69 yards and 2 touchdowns), he’s done a whole bunch of nothing. He has 9 catches for 110 yards in his other six games combined, including two games with no receptions.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling’s return from IR is delayed
Entering this week, it felt like the Packers were iffy on whether to bring Marquez Valdes-Scantling back or give him another 10 days to rest. There were reports on Tuesday and Wednesday that the Packers were leaning towards activating MVS. On Thursday, Adam Schefter reported that the Packers will not activate him from IR as his hamstring needs one more week to heal up.
What might the Packers wide receivers look like?
If MVS were active, he would likely have operated as the Packers’ primary outside receiver. With a 70% slot rate, Cobb would mainly play that role. Without Valdes-Scantling, while it is unclear whether Cobb will be out there in two-receiver sets, it’s certainly more likely.
Based on veteran status, my guess is Equanimeous St. Brown will play the WR1 role. If that’s the case, Cobb’s playing time will depend upon two things: 1) If the Packers choose to use him in two-receiver sets, and 2) How much they adjust their offensive formations to account for missing their top three receivers.
The Packers could also turn to rookie Amari Rodgers. He’s barely played this season but has at least been active every week.
Regardless, Cobb is certainly poised to see an increase in snaps, but I still don’t expect him to be a near every-down player. I think he sees about a 70% snap share.
Should fantasy managers start Cobb?
If your fantasy team is riddled with injuries, and you know you’re going to struggle to fill your starting lineup, then Cobb is a worthwhile gamble. Cobb enters this week with a decent enough floor. If you’re expecting some sort of vintage 2014 performance, you’re going to be disappointed.
It wouldn’t surprise me to see the Packers utilize Aaron Jones more as a receiver as well as increase Robert Tonyan’s involvement/run more two-tight end sets.
I tend to err on the side of not starting fringe players on Thursday night. Unless I really had no viable alternative, I would lean against starting Cobb this week. If you do need to start Cobb, he should at least do enough so that you’re not lamenting over your decision after the game.
