Packers 2021 roster preview: Expect big things for Josiah Deguara

Josiah Deguara‘s rookie season was cut short due to a torn ACL. He never got a real opportunity to carve out a full-time role in the Green Bay Packers offense.

But he showed potential in the limited game time he did have, and there’s no doubt head coach Matt LaFleur will want to use him in many different ways.

Returning from injury, what kind of impact can Deguara make for the Packers this season?

2020 stats

Deguara only played in two games with one start. He caught one pass for 12 yards.

2020 review

It was clear the Packers had a plan to use Deguara a lot on offense. He started the season opener against the Minnesota Vikings and he impressed in limited snaps before suffering an injury.

Deguara not only caught a pass for 12 yards, but he also blocked two Vikings defenders on one play. He showed off his blocking ability and also proved he’s capable of contributing as a receiver.

Unfortunately, Deguara missed the next two games due to injury before returning in Week 4 to play the Atlanta Falcons. But in that game, Deguara suffered a torn ACL, ending his season.

Will he make the roster?

Yes. A third-round pick last year, expect the Packers to have big plans for Deguara.

What to expect in 2021

It was a small sample size, but Deguara’s limited game time showed his versatility and the many roles Matt LaFleur has planned for him. He was unlucky with injuries. But if there’s a good thing about suffering a torn ACL early in the year, is that it gives you extra recovery time to be ready to play at the start of the following season.

Hopefully Deguara will have better injury luck in 2021 and can prove the Packers right for drafting him so high last offseason, a move that drew plenty of criticism.