Matthew Golden has nothing to prove. The Green Bay Packers need him for the regular-season opener in two weeks and shouldn't take any unnecessary risks.
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur rolled the dice by playing Jordan Love in the preseason opener, and that decision haunted him. Love injured his thumb and needed surgery, a decision that sidelined him for a week and has limited his reps since returning.
It appears LaFleur is willing to take the same unnecessary risk with Golden. According to Easton Butler of Packer Report, Golden believes he will feature for one series against the Seattle Seahawks in Saturday's preseason finale.
Packers coach Matt LaFleur is playing with fire by starting Matthew Golden in the preseason finale
The risk-reward of playing Golden for *checks notes* one series is skewed heavily to the former. Love isn't playing, so the rookie receiver won't even get reps with QB1.
Any benefit of playing live reps against an NFL opponent can disappear if Golden suffers an injury. It only takes one moment, as the Packers learned the hard way when Jordy Nelson tore his ACL in a preseason contest a decade ago.
Golden put in great work during Thursday's joint practice against the Seahawks. He doesn't need to play in this game, especially if it's only for one drive.
It seemed like LaFleur had learned his lesson a week ago. Despite being active for the game, Golden didn't play a snap against the Indianapolis Colts.
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There's undoubtedly more benefit this week, as many starters will play, but it's still an unnecessary gamble for such an important player. The Packers are still reeling from wide receiver injuries, and they need to protect Golden at all costs.
Romeo Doubs returned to practice this week, but Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks remain sidelined. Christian Watson won't return until at least Week 5, while rookie Savion Williams' status remains uncertain, as his practice time has fluctuated throughout camp.
Golden is a future star. He has aced every challenge put in his way this summer, and Packers fans are understandably excited for his potential to become the WR1 this team has lacked since Davante Adams left Green Bay over three years ago.
The hype train has already left the station. LaFleur doesn't need to risk his rookie receiver in a meaningless game, but it sounds like he's about to roll the dice.
Packers fans will hold their breath until he is safely back on the sideline.