“We’re going to do it for Bobby.”
Green Bay Packers Josiah Deguara was saddened when he heard Robert Tonyan suffered a torn ACL in a Week 8 win over the Arizona Cardinals. Deguara went through the same emotions when he tore his ACL during the early part of the 2020 season, an injury that subsequently ended his rookie year after just two appearances.
“My heart hurts for Bobby, said Deguara on Monday. “Obviously, I went through something similar last year, so when he heard the news and was going through those emotions, I offered my support for him. Anything he needs, I’m here for him.”
Deguara is well aware of the journey Tonyan faces. When Deguara injured his ACL last year against the Atlanta Falcons, it put a damper on what appeared to be a strong start to his first NFL season.
Early on, it was clear that Deguara was a great fit for Matt LaFleur’s scheme, which benefits from having a movable H-back, hybrid-style tight end. In a small sample size, Deguara has shown to be a trusted run blocker. He is also comfortable with catching the ball out of the backfield and lining up in the slot.
While Deguara was on the sideline last year, Tonyan went on to have a breakout season as he posted career-highs in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns. Injuries are an ugly side of football, but they can also create opportunities for other players.
“You have to take advantage when stuff like this happens,” said Deguara.
It didn’t take long for Deguara to make his presence felt when Tonyan exited the field during the third quarter. On the very next play, the Packers set up a tight end screen to Deguara for an 8-yard gain. The next time Green Bay’s offense took the field, Deguara made another grab on third down to bring his yardage total up to 20. Entering Week 8, he had just two receptions for eight yards.
Deguara may not possess the same receiving prowess as Tonyan, but there is a reason the team made him a third-round draft pick back in 2020. He has already proven to be a versatile chess piece, who can likely up basically anywhere on the field. Deguara said he feels more comfortable in Year 2 of LaFleur’s offense and is looking forward to more opportunities with Tonyan now out of the lineup.
“I’m just ready to go out and show what I can do,” he said.
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