The Green Bay Packers didn't just stand pat with respect to revamping the supporting cast surrounding franchise quarterback Jordan Love this offseason; they lost talent. It's a massive bet on in-house growth, one that could prove fruitful for fantasy football managers in 2026.
Watching wide receiver Romeo Doubs join the New England Patriots in free agency and trading Dontayvion Wicks to the Philadelphia Eagles leaves a significant void. Yes, the Packers moved on from both, but they still need to be accounted for. Their departures create 131 vacated targets and leave the Packers with over 1,000 yards and eight touchdowns worth of pass-catching production to replicate.
Not having as many mouths to feed may very well be addition by subtraction for the Packers. A consolidated wide receiver room will make game-to-game production easier to predict. Fewer rotations can also help Love develop better chemistry with his playmakers.
However, Green Bay's approach hinges on standout tight end Tucker Kraft's recovery from a torn ACL and star running back Josh Jacobs' ongoing legal matter. Things get dicey without either of them in the picture or at full strength. Their respective situations bear monitoring, and training camp and the preseason will give us a better idea of what to expect.
There will be no shortage of information at our disposal once the pads come on. It's on us to sort through it all, so let this be the hub for the Packers' post-summer break activity.
Note: This story will be updated regularly throughout the Green Bay Packers' training camp and preseason.
Latest Fantasy Football updates for the Packers: News, injuries and position battles
Matthew Golden stands out on Family Night -- 8/8
During the Family Night practice, Golden made several nice plays. Andy Herman fromPackADayPodcast reported that Golden got behind safety Javon Bullard for a 52-yard touchdown. He also reeled in two passes for first downs. This comes after beating Keisean Nixon three times during 1-on-1s. His explosive ability continues to stand out.
Josh Jacobs pops up with DNP -- 8/6
Jacobs missed practice with a groin issue that isn't "believed to be anything concerning," according to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic.
Barring any setbacks or a suspension for a domestic violence investigation that Schneidman said is "still open" as of July 27, Jacobs shouldn't be out long. Fellow Packers tailback Chris Brooks is still on the NFI. Suddenly, MarShawn Lloyd is the last man standing (for now) and will be busy until one/both of his backfield mates are back in the mix.
Matthew Golden remains reliable option -- 8/4
Herman called out that Golden is a consistent target for Jordan Love. He's found success on quick outs, comebacks and attacking the middle of the field. His deep speed forces defenders to respect it, opening up things underneath.
MarShawn Lloyd is putting his athleticism on display -- 8/3
According to Andy Herman of PackADayPodcast, Lloyd had a few runs in which he showcased his burst and speed. He was able to run in between the tackles while also taking things to the outside to use his acceleration.
Packers HC Matt LaFleur calls Tucker Kraft participating in joint practice vs. Cardinals 'realistic' -- 8/2
Kraft has set a personal goal of taking part in the action against the Cardinals, which is apparently in the range of outcomes. Assuming he "hit[s] all the benchmarks along the way," as LaFleur said when addressing the media, then why not?
Unsurprisingly, Kraft has ostensibly been doing everything in his power to return to pre-injury form sooner rather than later. Joining the Packers for their scrimmage with the Cardinals in any capacity is another significant step in the right direction. He was pacing with Arizona star Trey McBride for the overall TE1 throne through two months before getting hurt, so a consensus TE7 ranking presents a great buy-low opportunity (Lampert).
Jordan Love subly reveals Packers' WR setup? -- 8/2
During an appearance on NFL Network, Love stated that second-year pro Matthew Golden will assume the "X" receiver void created by Romeo Doubs' offseason departure. That sets up Christian Watson and Jayden Reed to stay in their respective "Z" and "F" spots.
Expect Watson, Golden and Reed to all move around the formation, yet it's good to see them have some semblance of defined roles.
Jordan Love is 'rolling' -- 7/31
Love is "as aggressive as usual when firing the football," and his "control of the offense" has truly stood out (h/t Sports Illustrated's Bill Huber).
Green Bay is also notably mixing in "some no-huddle." Playing with more tempo can only help Love's value, considering the team has finished bottom-five in passing attempts in consecutive campaigns.
Packers activate Tucker Kraft from PUP list -- 7/31
True to his word, Kraft is officially back to work just days after saying he would be "very soon," per a team announcement. He won't take part in team drills and will only participate in the individual portion of practice.
Hello! The Packers are easing Kraft into action, and understandably so, considering this will be his first on-field activity since getting hurt this past November. An end-of-July return to the gridiron bodes well for his progress and availability against the NFC North rival Minnesota Vikings on Sept. 13.
Matthew Golden locked into Packers' 3WR sets -- 7/29
Golden rounded out the first-team receiving unit with the newly paid duo of Watson and Jayden Reed (h/t Andy Herman of Packer Report).
In a rather quiet practice day for Golden, his role at least seems solidified, which is enough to keep him on the fantasy radar.
Christian Watson wastes no time proving he's worth the money -- 7/29
Watson darted past Packers cornerback Carrington Valentine on a cross route for an easy red-zone touchdown (h/t Andy Herman of Packer Report). The game-changing speed and explosiveness were evident.
This is why Green Bay signed Watson to a four-year, $92 million contract extension in June. He was a low-end WR2 upon returning from a torn ACL last season and now faces less competition for targets. His ceiling is incredibly high, especially with defensive regression, which is certainly possible given star pass-rusher Micah Parsons' injury status and their defensive coordinator turnover.
MarShawn Lloyd taking advantage of extra opportunities -- 7/29
Lloyd continues to show "flashes," looking "like he was shot out of a cannon" on an impressive touchdown run, per Matt Schneidman of The Athletic ($). The USC product offers a dynamism that no one else in the Packers' backfield possesses.
It's notable that Lloyd, who finally appears to be healthy after back-to-back injury-marred campaigns, is stacking together good days while Brooks is on the NFI list. The former might run away with the No. 2 spot on the depth chart (pun intended). Jacobs' uncertain outlook puts increased emphasis on Green Bay's RB2 spot, regardless of who wins the job.
Tucker Kraft tells us he'll be back soon -- 7/29
“I’ll probably come off the PUP here very soon," he told Packers beat reporter Ryan Wood of USA TODAY.
Kraft has stated that his goal is to come back "bulletproof" and stronger than ever. He's aiming for a Week 1 return with no limitations.
Packers announce unsurprising Tucker Kraft move -- 7/27
As many anticipated, Kraft will start camp on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, per the NFL's transaction wire. The Packers can activate him at any time, for what it's worth.
Chris Brooks' early absence paves the way for MarShawn Lloyd -- 7/27
Green Bay placed Brooks on the non-football injury list (NFI). The unheralded veteran's availability (or lack thereof) gives 2024 third-round selection MarShawn Lloyd a head start in the backup tailback competition.
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