Green Bay Packers: Five players who must step up vs. Texans

Jared Cook

To date, Jared Cook’s arrival in Green Bay can be considered a disappointment. Outside of a 105-yard, one-touchdown performance at Washington, Cook has only caught more than a single pass on one occasion, a four-reception, 31-yard outing at Minnesota in Week 2.

An ankle injury halted Cook’s progress ahead of the Packers’ bye in Week 3, but his production when healthy has been patchy at best. There’s no denying his speed and athleticism, and a dominant display in Washington showcased his potential in an Aaron Rodgers-led offense.

Yet just a week after 11 targets were fired his way, he received just two against the Eagles. Maybe this was simply due to Davante Adams’ dominance, but Cook’s failure to backup a strong performance isn’t new to 2016.

After kicking off the 2013 season with an 141-yard, two-touchdown display for the Rams, he followed it up with one catch for 10 yards a week later. Cook lit up the Washington defense in 2014, hauling in two touchdown passes. An underwhelming encore followed to the tune of three catches for 22 yards.

For Cook to become the matchup nightmare the Packers hoped he’d be when they signed him last spring, he must produce on a consistent basis.