RADIO
Matthew Golden Starting in Two-Receiver Sets
On the first day of mandatory minicamp on Thursday, Green Bay Packers second-year wide receiver Matthew Golden lined up across from Christian Watson in a two-receiver set, according to Bill Huber of Sports Illustrated. Golden came into the NFL last year with high expectations after the Packers selected him 23rd overall out of the University of Texas. The 22-year-old was then hyped up plenty during training camp and the preseason, only to disappoint in his rookie campaign in a crowded receiving corps in Green Bay. He caught 29 passes for 361 yards and zero touchdowns in 14 regular-season games (five starts). Golden is trending back up again this spring, and he'll have a much bigger opportunity to carve out a consistent role in the passing attack now that Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks are out of town. Watson is the team's clear WR1 with big-play ability, and the Packers also still have the versatile Jayden Reed, but both wideouts have dealt with their fair share of injuries early in their careers. Even if both Watson and Reed stay on the field, Golden will be a popular Year 2 breakout candidate. He can be had at a discount, too, with RotoBaller ranking him as the No. 51 fantasy WR for the 2026 season.
Source: Sports Illustrated - Bill Huber
Source: Sports Illustrated - Bill Huber
Can an Expanded Role Lead to a Matthew Golden Breakout?
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Matthew Golden was one of the most debated rookies entering the 2025 season, with many considering his first-round selection in the NFL Draft a reach. For most of the season, the debate seemed to be settled, but with Golden saving his best performance for the playoffs, his supporters left the year with optimism for 2026. Golden caught four passes for 84 yards and his first touchdown of the season in a Wild Card loss to the Bears, and with the Packers allowing Romeo Doubs to walk in free agency and trading away Dontayvion Wicks, Golden has a realistic chance at an every-down role and the second receiver spot in two-receiver sets alongside breakout candidate Christian Watson. Through three seasons in the league, slot receiver Jayden Reed has run only nine total routes out of formations with two or fewer receivers on the field, and with the Packers deploying 11 personnel less than 21 other teams in the league in 2025, the path for an expanded role is evident for Golden. While a breakout of his own requires a fair bit of projection, at RotoBaller's dynasty WR47, the soon-to-be-23-year-old first-rounder is worth inquiring about in trade conversations after a disappointing rookie season.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Luke Musgrave Suffers Undisclosed Injury
Green Bay Packers tight end Luke Musgrave (undisclosed) suffered an undisclosed injury during offseason practice on Tuesday, according to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic. Head coach Matt LaFleur wouldn't specify Musgrave's injury, but he was on the treadmill in the rehab area to start Wednesday's practice. With training camp still over a month away, the Packers aren't going to push the 25-year-old in practice in early June. The former second-round pick in the 2023 NFL draft out of Oregon State became an interesting waiver-wire pickup in fantasy leagues when Tucker Kraft (knee) suffered a season-ending torn ACL last year, but unfortunately, Musgrave never became a big part of the Packers' passing attack and finished with only 24 receptions on 31 targets for 252 yards and no touchdowns in 17 games (10 starts). Kraft is tracking toward being ready for Week 1 of the 2026 regular season this fall, so Musgrave will merely be battling for a backup role at TE in Green Bay this summer.
Source: The Athletic - Matt Schneidman
Source: The Athletic - Matt Schneidman
Tucker Kraft Expects to Play in Week 1 With No Restrictions
Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft (knee) said he expects to play in the Week 1 regular-season opener in early September without a pitch count, according to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic. The 25-year-old suffered a season-ending torn ACL in his knee last year and has not been taking part in organized team activities, but he's expected to return to the field for training camp this summer and be ready for the start of the upcoming campaign. How much Kraft can do at camp will ultimately decide whether he's a full-go for Week 1, so we'll keep a close eye on his progress going into late July. The former third-round pick in the 2023 NFL draft out of South Dakota State was well on his way to a breakout in 2025 before injuring his knee, catching 32 of his 44 targets for 489 yards and six touchdowns in just eight starts for the Packers. Despite coming off a major knee injury, RotoBaller has Kraft ranked as the No. 5 fantasy TE for 2026. He'll be a high-risk/high-reward TE selection, and his cost will continue to rise if he looks good during camp.
Source: The Athletic - Matt Schneidman
Source: The Athletic - Matt Schneidman
Packers Sign Christian Watson to a Four-Year Extension
The Green Bay Packers have signed wide receiver Christian Watson to a four-year, $110.5 million extension, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. The deal includes a $31 million signing bonus. Watson is a very talented receiver and former first-round pick, but injuries have plagued him over the years. He has missed 20 games in four years since entering the league, including the first six weeks of the 2025 season. With that being said, he's productive when healthy. He caught 35 passes for 611 yards and six touchdowns across 10 games last year, ranking as the overall WR9 in PPR leagues from Week 9-17. Watson's role is only expected to grow in 2026, now that Romeo Doubs has departed for New England. Watson projects as the Packers' No. 1 receiver ahead of players like Jayden Reed and Matthew Golden. An AAV of $26M+ is a big investment for a receiver with a significant injury history, but when he's healthy, he's worth every penny. As it stands, Watson is the WR42 in RotoBaller's latest dynasty fantasy football rankings.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
Micah Parsons Eyeing a Mid-October Return After Having Another Knee Surgery
In addition to having surgery to fix his torn ACL, Green Bay Packers All-Pro pass-rusher Micah Parsons (knee) said he had a procedure to "clean up" his meniscus, according to Packers beat writer Ryan Wood. Parsons said it's a hard nine-month rule before he even considers coming back, prioritizing longevity of his career. In a best-case scenario, Parsons could return to Green Bay to make his 2026 season debut in the middle of October, which means he will more than likely open the campaign on the Physically Unable to Perform list and be forced to miss at least the first four games. The 27-year-old had surgery to fix his torn ACL on Dec. 29. He could return for Week 5 against the division-rival Chicago Bears or Week 6 against his old team, the Dallas Cowboys, but he's emphasizing patience. The Packers also won't rush him back. The five-time Pro Bowler is a game-changer on Green Bay's D-line when healthy, as he had 12.5 sacks in his 14 games in his first year with the team in 2025 before tearing his ACL late in December versus the Denver Broncos.
Source: USA Today Sports - Ryan Wood
Source: USA Today Sports - Ryan Wood
Jayden Reed Still an Unproven Dynasty Asset
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed has been one of the most frustrating fantasy assets since coming into the league as a 2023 second-round pick out of Michigan State. He is unquestionably talented, having flashed throughout his three-year career, but operating primarily out of the slot in a league trending toward fewer three-receiver sets, he's never seen the consistent usage to make him an every-week must-start player. With the Packers' leading receiver from 2025, Romeo Doubs, departing through free agency and the team committing to Reed in the form of a three-year, $50.25 million extension, it's entirely possible Green Bay envisions an expanded role for him in 2026. History, however, suggests that outside work in two-receiver sets is still more likely to go to Christian Watson and 2025 first-round pick Matthew Golden, with Reed seeing only nine career routes with fewer than three receivers on the field. Coming off a season in which he missed 10 games with a broken collarbone and never managed higher than a 65% snap share in his return, Reed has fallen to WR51 in RotoBaller's dynasty rankings.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Josh Jacobs Back at Practice on Tuesday
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (personal) returned to practice on Tuesday following his release from jail. Jacobs, who was arrested on five charges and booked into the Brown County Jail last week, could still face league discipline even though he was released from jail. The police report said that Jacobs was charged with battery, criminal damage of property, disorderly conduct, strangulation and suffocation, and intimidation of a victim. The NFL will presumably continue to investigate the scenario before deciding on a potential suspension. In the meantime, Jacobs will continue to participate in practices leading up to training camp and the preseason. He fell short of 1,000 rushing yards last season, but he still managed to score 14 touchdowns and finish as the overall RB13 in PPR leagues. If he avoids a suspension, he'll enter 2026 as a low-end RB1 or high-end RB2. If he misses time, MarShawn Lloyd and Chris Brooks would be in line to co-lead the backfield.
Source: Kyle Malzhan
Source: Kyle Malzhan
Does Jordan Love Still Have Top-12 Upside in Dynasty?
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love's dynasty outlook has taken a hit in recent years. Formerly a first-round pick, Love seemed like a top dynasty option after finishing as the QB5 in 2023. However, he has fallen to QB15 or lower in each of his last two seasons, raising questions about whether he can be a top-12 option (and a fantasy starter) going forward. The Packers' identity has been a run-first offense lately, leaving fewer pass attempts for Love. In 2025, Green Bay ran the ball 47.69%, which was fifth-most in the NFL. Love doesn't have a ton of flashy weapons around him, either. Romeo Doubs departed in free agency, leaving him with Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, and Matthew Golden as his top wide receivers. Tight end Tucker Kraft (knee) is also in the mix, and while he has a great track record, he's working his way back from injury. If the Packers continue to be run-heavy for years to come, Love will likely struggle to emerge as a QB1 in fantasy football consistently, despite having a talented throwing arm. Dynasty managers should be open to the idea of trading him away and upgrading at the quarterback position.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Micah Parsons Expected to Open Training Camp on the PUP List
Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said on Wednesday that he expects All-Pro pass-rusher Micah Parsons (knee) to open training camp in late July on the Physically Unable to Perform list, according to Ryan Wood of the Green Bay Press-Gazette. Nothing is official yet, but the 27-year-old pass-rusher most likely will not be ready for the start of training camp, and he's also a candidate to begin the 2026 regular season on the PUP list. Parsons will still be worth drafting in IDP fantasy drafts this fall, but he'll no longer be one of the first sack artists off the board in those formats due to the potential that he misses the first three or four weeks of the regular season. Not having Parsons early on this year will be a substantial downgrade for Green Bay's pass rush. After the Packers sent two first-rounders and defensive tackle Kenny Clark to the Dallas Cowboys last year for the three-time All-Pro, Parsons was as advertised, registering 12.5 sacks, 41 tackles (19 solo), 12 tackles for loss, 27 QB hits, and two forced fumbles in 14 games before tearing his ACL in December against the Denver Broncos. Despite missing the final three games of the year, Parsons finished as the No. 23 defensive lineman in IDP leagues.
Source: Green Bay Press-Gazette - Ryan Wood
Source: Green Bay Press-Gazette - Ryan Wood
Packers Hopeful Tucker Kraft Will Participate in Training Camp
Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said he is "hopeful" that tight end Tucker Kraft (knee) could be back "by training camp or during training camp," per Weston Hodkiewicz of Packers.com. Kraft is currently recovering from the torn ACL that ended his 2025 season in Week 9. The 25-year-old looked to be on his way to a breakout season before the injury, recording 32 receptions for 489 yards and six touchdowns on 44 targets across eight games played. While Kraft hasn't been the highest-volume target-earner to this point in his career, his career average of 13.7 yards per reception is remarkably efficient for the tight end position. Additionally, Kraft could play an even larger role in the Green Bay offense in 2026 following the team's offseason subtractions of wide receivers Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks. Assuming Kraft remains on track in his recovery for the start of the 2026 season, he profiles as a steady fantasy TE1 with upside.
Source: Packers.com - Weston Hodkiewicz
Source: Packers.com - Weston Hodkiewicz
MarShawn Lloyd Participating in Packers OTAs
Green Bay Packers running back MarShawn Lloyd is taking part in his team's OTAs, per Weston Hodkiewicz of Packers.com. The 25-year-old spent the entirety of the 2025 season on Injured Reserve due to hamstring and calf injuries, but he appears to be healthy and ready to go heading into 2026. Injuries have been a major issue for Lloyd since the Packers selected him in the third round of the NFL Draft, as he's played in just one game for the team over the first two seasons of his career. Still, he could be in line for a prominent role in Green Bay in 2026 with Packers RB1 Josh Jacobs currently embroiled in legal issues. Even if Jacobs ultimately avoids missed time, Lloyd could beat out fellow Packers back Chris Brooks for the team's primary backup role with a strong performance in training camp and a healthy preseason.
Source: Packers.com - Weston Hodkiewicz
Source: Packers.com - Weston Hodkiewicz
No Criminal Charges Filed Against Josh Jacobs
A statement released by the lawyers of Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs confirms that Jacobs has been released from custody and that "no criminal charges have been filed against him." Jacobs was arrested and booked into the Brown County Jail on Tuesday night on counts of battery, criminal damage of property, disorderly conduct, strangulation and suffocation, and intimidation of a victim. While Jacobs has been released from jail, this appears to be an ongoing situation that fantasy managers will need to monitor closely in the coming weeks and months. The 28-year-old has been the Packers' workhorse back over the last two seasons, collecting nearly 2,900 yards from scrimmage and 30 touchdowns across 32 games. If Jacobs were to face some sort of discipline from the NFL and miss time, Chris Brooks and MarShawn Lloyd profile as the current favorites to lead the Green Bay backfield.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Chris Brooks Emerging as Top Handcuff to Stash?
Green Bay Packers running back Chris Brooks could be emerging as a top handcuff to stash in fantasy football leagues after news broke on Tuesday that starting RB Josh Jacobs has been arrested and booked into jail on five charges, including domestic abuse. If Jacobs is eventually suspended by the NFL to begin the 2026 season, both Brooks' and MarShawn Lloyd's short-term fantasy value for the upcoming season could skyrocket with Emanuel Wilson now out of town. The 26-year-old Brooks, a former undrafted free agent out of BYU, began his NFL career with the Miami Dolphins in 2023, but he has spent the last two seasons in Green Bay. In 32 games (zero starts) with the Packers, he has seen 63 carries for 289 yards (4.6 yards per tote) and one touchdown on the ground, adding 24 catches for 160 yards and no TDs as a pass-catcher. Because of Lloyd's lengthy injury history, Brooks is ranked a tad higher (No. 71 RB) in half-PPR formats for the 2026 campaign. Brooks could be Green Bay's go-to back if Jacobs is hit with a suspension.
Source: The Athletic - Matt Schneidman
Source: The Athletic - Matt Schneidman
MarShawn Lloyd Sees Short-Term Value Soar
Green Bay Packers running back MarShawn Lloyd could see his short-term fantasy value soar going into drafts this summer after the news broke on Tuesday that starting RB Josh Jacobs has been arrested and booked into jail on five charges, including domestic abuse. Lloyd has been a bust so far in his NFL career after the Packers selected him in the third round of the 2024 draft out of USC. Due to injuries, the 25-year-old has played in just one game in Green Bay back in his rookie campaign. But with Jacobs now potentially facing a lengthy suspension to begin the 2026 season, depending on how the legal process plays out, both Lloyd and Chris Brooks could be elevated to much bigger roles in the Packers' backfield. RotoBaller currently has Lloyd ranked as the No. 76 RB in half-PPR formats for the 2026 season, but his ranking could rise dramatically if Jacobs is eventually suspended by the NFL. Stay tuned for more on this situation and how it might affect the Packers' RB pecking order.
Source: The Athletic - Matt Schneidman
Source: The Athletic - Matt Schneidman
