Who steps up for Packers offense if MVS is out vs. Browns?

With news breaking Tuesday afternoon that Marquez Valdes-Scantling would be placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list after coming off his best game this season, questions arise about his status and what the Green Bay Packers will have to do at his position versus the Cleveland Browns on Christmas.

In my previous article, I said that Valdes-Scantling has real potential to finish the season as the true number two receiver behind Davante Adams. While I still believe this to be the case, if MVS misses this game, someone will have to step up in a big way to fill one of the fastest shoes in the NFL.

The one player that comes to mind is Allen Lazard. Number 13 for the Green Bay Packers is one of those “do it all” receivers. He can produce as a reliable weapon for Aaron Rodgers, and he can also be used as a great blocker on the outside for key running plays.

Since MVS could miss the Week 16 matchup, the Packers are going to need Lazard to channel his inner Week 3 of 2020 version of himself in which he put up 146 yards on just six catches with a score to help fill that potential hole.

Since Lazard is already a solidified player on this roster, what about a different receiver in need of a breakout game? It will be a great opportunity for Amari Rodgers to get more plays in the offense this week seeing as the primary slot receiver, Randall Cobb, had core muscle surgery and is out a while.

And on top of potentially losing MVS for this game, it would open a window for Amari to show the world why the Packers traded up in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft to take him out of Clemson.

This situation may not be a big deal by the time we kickoff on Christmas Day due to the new NFL Covid protocols, but worse-case scenario, the Packers will need one of their receivers to step up in a big way for their matchup against one of the better defenses in the league. We know it’s a “next man up” league and I feel that will be either Lazard or Amari.

Most importantly, however, is that Valdes-Scantling returns to the lineup healthy and soon, because this team has a need for his speed.