Every Green Bay Packers fan jumped on the Matthew Golden hype train before the season, but don't let the frustration of his lack of targets discourage you.
For now, it's unclear whether Golden will suit up on Monday Night Football due to a shoulder injury that forced him out of last week's loss to the Carolina Panthers, but looking at the bigger picture, head coach Matt LaFleur believes a breakout performance is imminent from his first-round receiver.
"He shows up with a great attitude, great mindset. I know that he wants to make some plays so bad, and it's unfortunate just this last game having to go out," said LaFleur. "I think it's a matter of time, I really do. Like we threw the deep post to him last week, and (Tre'von) Moehrig made a heck of a play on it. But he's going to get opportunities, and I think it's just a matter of time."
Packers may need to finally lean on Matthew Golden as injuries pile up on offense
LaFleur calmed fears over Golden's injury earlier this week, noting that he's more day-to-day than week-to-week, although his status for Week 10 is uncertain. Regardless, it sure sounds like LaFleur wants the former Texas wide receiver to become a featured piece in his offense.
And it would be welcomed, especially after what LaFleur said earlier this season. Following the Packers' win over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 6, when Golden caught three passes for a team-best 86 yards, LaFleur played down the idea of the rookie becoming the guy on offense.
"It is what it is, guys," LaFleur said. "I know everybody wants us to force-feed guys the ball, but that's really not how we've done it around here, and I don't plan on changing that. That's the beauty of having a lot of guys we have a lot of confidence in."
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But with Tucker Kraft out for the remainder of the season and Christian Watson still being eased back, it's logical to make Golden a focal point of the passing game in the weeks ahead.
While the opportunities haven't been there consistently, Golden has made plays when called on. The rookie has caught 23 of 29 targets for 262 yards, although his wait for a first NFL touchdown continues. Golden has zero drops and has moved the chains with 11 of his 23 catches, including a game-saving fourth-down conversion in the Week 4 tie against the Dallas Cowboys.
All eyes will shift to the injury report and Golden's status for Monday Night Football. The Packers have five receivers on this week's injury list, and that's not even including Jayden Reed, who remains on injured reserve while recovering from a broken collarbone and foot injury.
Whether it's this week or in the upcoming games, the Packers need to finally unlock Golden.