Things couldn't have gone much worse for the Green Bay Packers in Week 9. Not only did the team suffer a dispiriting 16-13 loss to the Carolina Panthers, but they also saw two top pass-catchers go down with injuries.
MRI results reportedly confirmed that Packers star tight end Tucker Kraft suffered a season-ending torn ACL against Carolina -- on his 25th birthday, no less. His absence marks a devastating, irreplaceable blow to a Green Bay skill position corps that's ostensibly dropping like flies, including first-round rookie wide receiver Matthew Golden.
Golden exited in the third quarter of Green Bay's defeat at the hands of the Panthers due to a shoulder issue and didn't return. Packers head coach Matt LaFleur didn't provide an update on his status when addressing the media postgame, ominiously foreshadowing a negative diagnosis.
However, the latest update from LaFleur suggests Green Bay dodged a bullet on the severity of Golden's ailment. Barring any unforeseen developments, Packers fans can exhale knowing the latter appeared to avoid any serious damage.
Packers get much-needed positive Matthew Golden injury update
"[Golden] shouldn't be long-term," LaFleur briefly and quickly said when addressing the media the day after Green Bay fell short to the Panthers.
LaFleur kept it short and sweet, but leaned toward the former designation when asked if Golden's status is day-to-day or week-to-week. Given the lack of details we have to work with, the Packers may not be completely out of the woods yet. But the early signs are positive, a silver lining amid a flurry of unfortunate health concerns in Green Bay.
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It feels safe to call Golden questionable for the Packers' upcoming clash with the Philadelphia Eagles in a 2024 Wild Card rematch. If and how much he can practice heading into the pivotal showdown will be worth monitoring. Both clubs are jostling for the top spot in the NFC standings, so his availability (or lack thereof) is particularly noteworthy.
Before leaving versus the Panthers, Golden caught two of three targets for just nine yards. As has been the case for virtually the entire year, he was a non-factor. Nevertheless, his departure is especially detrimental following the news about Kraft.
Through eight games as a pro, Golden has amassed 23 receptions for 262 scoreless yards, adding 45 rushing yards on eight carries. His lack of usage has been among the main talking points surrounding the Packers in 2025. Perhaps Kraft being sidelined will prompt LaFleur to lean into utilizing the talented speedster more.