Tag: Dontayvion Wicks

Can Packers WR Dontayvion Wicks bounce back from nightmare first half of 2024?

Dontayvion Wicks might have been the worst WR in football during the first nine weeks of the season. Can he get it turned around for the Packers after the bye?

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks labored through what can only be described as a nightmare start to his 2024 season.

The numbers certainly paint a terrifying picture of a second-year receiver going through some major issues.

Entering Week 10, Wicks has caught only 16 of 43 targets — good for a catch percentage of 37.2. That ranks dead last among all NFL players with at least 30 targets this season. Not surprisingly, Wicks is only averaging only 4.5 yards per target with a receiving success rate of 27.8 — both bottom two marks among players with at least 30 targets.

How bad is it? Wicks is on pace to become the first wide receiver since John Ross in 2018 to catch less than 40 percent of targets and average under 5.0 yards per target in a season.

Wicks has an NFL-high eight drops, per ESPN Research. His “Catch Rate Over Expected” is -23.2, by far the worst mark among players with at least 25 targets. His receiving EPA is -16.9, per Next Gen Stats, highlighting how badly Wicks has hurt the Packers in terms of scoring points this season.

Pro Football Focus has charted Wicks with six drops, but his drop percentage of 27.3 leads all players with at least 20 targets. And Wicks is 0-for-9 on what PFF describes as “contested catches,” making him the only player with at least eight contested catch opportunities and zero catches.

These numbers are all just a fancy way of saying Wicks is failing to finish catches at an alarming rate and he’s bringing down the entire Packers passing offense with him.

Can Wicks get his season turned around coming out of the bye?

Coach Matt LaFleur said the Packers — who are among the league leaders in drops this season — haven’t always used the right technique catching the football and are not using “aggressive” hands enough. He also said he still has confidence in Wicks given what he’s seen in a practice setting over the last two years.

Wicks is still getting open at a high rate. Last season, he dropped only two of 61 targets, so the Packers know he can finish. It’s possible the drop issue will begin to even out over the second half of the season and Wicks will become a more reliable weapon.

The Packers have been inconsistent in the passing game through the midway point of 2024. Part of the problem has been a pair of injuries to Jordan Love, who isn’t playing at the same level as his finish to 2023. But Wicks’ inability to finish plays is another big part of the puzzle. It won’t be surprising if the Packers’ passing game begins to catch fire if Love can heal during the bye and Wicks can find a way to snap out of his second-year slump during the second half of 2024.

Is Dontayvion Wicks playing today? Injury updates for Packers WR

Packers WR Dontayvion Wicks is dealing with a shoulder injury. He is listed as questionable to play Sunday against the Texans.

(This story was updated to add new information.)

Green Bay Packers receiver Dontayvion Wicks is active and will play Sunday against the Houston Texans after suffering a shoulder injury during last week’s win over the Arizona Cardinals. Wicks practiced in a limited capacity during all three practices for the Packers this week. While listed as questionable on the final injury report, Wicks is officially good to go for Sunday’s showdown at Lambeau Field.

Dontayvion Wicks injury update

Wicks practiced on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday this week, but coach Matt LaFleur said nothing more than he is “looking questionable” to play. The Packers listed him as questionable to play. Inactive lists are due 90 minutes before kickoff on Sunday, so an answer to his playing status against the Texans should be known around 10:30 a.m. CT. It’s possible Wicks will be limited Sunday even if he’s active.

How long will Donytavion Wicks be out?

Based on his immediate return to practice this week, Wicks is dealing with a minor injury and must be considered week-to-week. If he returns against the Texans, there would be risk of reinjuring what is believed to be a sprained shoulder.

Packers WR depth chart

The Packers have Jayden Reed, Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs atop the receiver depth, providing other options should Wicks miss time. Bo Melton and Malik Heath are capable complementary options. Given the talent and experience at receiver, the Packers can take the cautious route with Wicks if he needs another week to get his shoulder healthy.

Packers list WR Dontayvion Wicks as questionable vs. Texans

On the final injury report, Packers WR Dontayvion Wicks was listed as questionable to play vs. the Texans.

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks was listed as questionable to play for Week 7 against the Houston Texans.

Wicks, who injured his shoulder during last week’s win over the Arizona Cardinals, practiced in a limited capacity during each of the Packers’ three practices this week. The team may want to wait to see how his shoulder feels Sunday before making a determination on his playing status.

Wicks was injured at the end of a 9-yard catch against the Cardinals. He left the game and didn’t return as the Packers went on to win 34-13.

Through six games, Wicks has 11 catches for 133 yards and three touchdowns. Plagued by drops and a lack of connection with quarterback Jordan Love, Wicks has a catch percentage of just 34.4 percent (11 catches on 32 targets) and a success rate of 28.1 percent when targeted.

Getting Wicks healthy and back on track is necessary for the Packers to operate at peak performance in the passing game. An elite separator, Wicks averaged 10.0 yards per target and caught four touchdown passes as a rookie. Like some second-year players, Wicks is battling through a bit of a slump to start 2024.

If Wicks can’t play, the Packers would feature Jayden Reed, Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs at receiver with Bo Melton and Malik Heath in complementary roles.

The Packers also listed defensive lineman Colby Wooden as questionable with a knee injury. Defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt is out for a third consecutive week.

Packers WR Dontayvion Wicks dodges bullet with shoulder injury, could suit up vs Texans

Dontayvion Wicks practiced for the Packers on Wednesday.

After some initial concern regarding his shoulder injury, Green Bay Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks practiced in a limited capacity on Wednesday, potentially opening the door for him to be available for Sunday’s game against the Houston Texans.

When asked if the Packers had dodged a bullet regarding Wicks’ shoulder, Matt LaFleur responded with, “Yeah, absolutely” after practice.

Wicks sustained the injury when he landed awkwardly on his right shoulder following a 9-yard catch-and-run during the team’s Week 6 win over the Arizona Cardinals. After initially being listed as questionable to return, he did not play another snap and was ruled out at halftime.

Green Bay is fortunate to have avoided a serious injury to Wicks, who has been their best receiver at getting open this season. Unfortunately, Wicks has dealt with some drops this season, which have limited his impact. He has caught 11 passes for 133 yards and three touchdowns through the first six games. However, he has been targeted 32 times in total with four drops and is 0-for-6 on contested catches, according to Pro Football Focus.

Despite his struggles, Wicks adds a dynamic element to the offense through his route running and run-after-catch ability.

Among Packers players who were also limited for Wednesday’s practice were:

CB Jaire Alexander
DT Kenny Clark
TE Tucker Kraft
C Josh Myers
WR Jayden Reed
WR Christian Watson

Meanwhile, Colby Wooden, Devonte Wyatt, and Elgton Jenkins did not participate.

Green Bay will need to be as close to full strength as possible for their highly-anticipated showdown with the 5-1 Texans.

Packers provide update on injury to WR Dontayvion Wicks

The Packers don’t think Dontayvion Wicks suffered a long-term shoulder injury on Sunday against the Cardinals.

Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur said he doesn’t think the shoulder injury suffered by wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks is a long-term issue, and he’s expecting to give Wicks the week to get physically ready before Sunday’s showdown with the Houston Texans.

Wicks suffered a shoulder injury on a 9-yard catch in the first half. He left the game and didn’t return after being ruled out coming out of half time.

“We’ll give him through the week and see where he’s at. I just know it’s always a concern when you have a player who can’t go back in the game,” LaFleur said Monday.

Wicks told Ryan Wood of PackersNews.com post-game that he sprained his shoulder and is expecting to be “day to day.”

Per Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports, imaging on Wicks’ shoulder on Monday relaxed initial fears of a serious injury.

Through six games, Wicks has 11 catches for 133 yards and three touchdowns. He’s caught only 11 of 32 targets while dealing with issues finishing catches, especially in contested catch situations. Now, Wicks will have to work through an upper body injury.

The Packers won’t practice or put out an injury report until Wednesday.

If Wicks is unavailable this week, the Packers would move forward with Jayden Reed, Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs as the top three receivers, with Bo Melton and Malik Heath in complementary roles.

Matt LaFleur on Packers WR Dontayvion Wicks: ‘We all see the talent’

Dontayvion Wicks had some drop issues against the Vikings. Matt LaFleur: “I know what he’s capable of doing, we just have to get it out on a consistent basis.”

The Green Bay Packers are looking for more consistency out of talented wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks following a two-drop, two-touchdown performance against the Minnesota Vikings last week.

Consistency is often the difference between good and great.

Wicks couldn’t hang on to or complete at least four targets thrown his way in the 31-29 loss at Lambeau Field, but he also caught a pair of touchdown passes in the fourth quarter — highlighting both his incredible ability to get open and the obvious need for down-to-down improvement.

“I’m excited about him and what he can become, because we all see the talent,” coach Matt LaFleur said Wednesday. “He is tough to guard on the line of scrimmage. I know what he’s capable of doing, we just have to get it out on a consistent basis.”

Wicks has caught only eight of 22 targets this season, including five of 13 on Sunday. He caught almost 70 percent of his targets as a rookie. Pro Football Focus has charted Wicks with three drops and an 0-for-5 start on contested catches.

LaFleur said the Packers are looking for more consistency “across the board” on offense. It comes down to how players practice and prepare, and he’s confident Wicks — who has seven touchdown catches in 19 career games — will “embrace” the challenge.

A chance to rebound arrives Sunday in Los Angeles. Wicks will likely be a starter and near full-time player with Christian Watson on the mend from an ankle injury. Wicks said it’s a “next man up” situation.

LaFleur said catching the football is typically more mental than physical.

“We’ve seen him catch the ball and make some great catches,” LaFleur said.

Getting open hasn’t been an issue. In fact, PFF charted Wicks as the most consistent receiver in football at gaining separation to start 2024. Now he has to work on the finish.

On Sunday, Wicks had a third-down target go off his hands in the red zone, two sliding catch attempts ruled incomplete and a fourth-down heave from Jordan Love dropped nearly the goal line. All four could be described as difficult catches, but NFL receivers have to make tough catches.

LaFleur isn’t worried about Wicks’ hands. He even mentioned a difficult catch Wicks made on a bubble screen against the Vikings that forced the young receiver to adjust and then get up the field. What could have been an incomplete pass or even a loss turned into a 13-yard gain.

“We’ve got complete confidence (in him),” LaFleur said.

Wicks said he’s been taking his eyes off the ball too early on some of his drops.

“Just like everybody else, I’ve had some drops, I’ve had some good catches. Try to critique myself on the bad plays, and seeing what was the reason for them. The drops are just taking my eyes off the ball before I finish the catch.”

Drops can be a discouraging even for a position who is asked to catch the football. But no one — from the coach to the quarterback to the player — is even slightly worried about Wicks, a talented young receiver who can get open consistently and now must find the overall consistency that differentiates a good player from a great one.

Why you should be encouraged and not worried about Packers WR Dontayvion Wicks

Worried about Dontayvion Wicks? Don’t be. In fact, be encouraged. The Packers WR could be primed for a breakout.

Green Bay Packers receiver Dontayvion Wicks was targeted 13 times on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings. He dropped two passes, failed to finish on at least two others and finished 0-for-3 on contested catches, creating a frustratingly inconsistent performance from the second-year pass-catcher in what turned out to be a 31-29 loss to the Vikings.

While uneven, Sunday’s showing from Wicks could easily be viewed as more encouraging and less worrisome.

Obviously, Wicks must finish better. He had a third-down pass go off his hands inside the 20. A pair of sliding catches going to the ground weren’t finished. He had a chance to make a huge play on a heave towards the end zone on 4th-and-8 in the third quarter and failed.

But Wicks was targeted 13 times against the Vikings because he consistently got open. And while NFL receivers must make tough catches, had Jordan Love thrown better balls on at least three of his targets, Wicks might have finished with a career day.

His drop on third down on the first drive was thrown low and away but still should have been caught. Wicks might have scored. Twice, he had to go to the ground and attempt sliding catches. Wicks was wide open on all three. Love admitted his accuracy and ball placement were erratic and needed to be better. He made life hard on Wicks, especially early.

On two of his targets, contact played a part in the failure. One could reasonably argue pass interference was committed on both a first quarter target to Wicks on 3rd-and-10 and on the 4th-and-8 attempt. There is no denying contact at the catch point.

Another one of his targets was a mistake from Love. Against an all-out blitz, Love threw early on what he believed to be a 50/50 ball to Wicks on a go route. But because of the early throw, Wicks never had a chance to track the ball and Byron Murphy made an easy pick.

Love and Wicks failed to connect on eight passes. Three were poorly placed. Two were affected by contact at the catch point. One was batted down. One was a poor decision by the quarterback against a blitz.

Once Love settled in, Wicks started piling up the big plays. He caught a 6-yard touchdown pass. He caught a 36-yarder to jump start a drive. And he caught a 17-yard touchdown between defenders late in the fourth quarter.

Love never stopped looking Wicks’ way, which is both a credit to the quarterback and a testament of Wicks’ ability to get open and create plays.

According to Next Gen Stats, Wicks actually has a higher average of separation per target this year (3.6 yards) compared to last year (3.2). He had an average separation of almost four yards against the Vikings. Getting open is not a problem.

With Christian Watson expected to miss at least a week of action and maybe more, Wicks is about to become a primary target in the passing game. Love trusts Wicks because he gets open on time and on schedule.

For receivers, hands can come and go. But getting open is the most important part of playing the position, and Wicks once again looks like an elite creator of separation within the Packers passing game. The finishes must be better. No doubt. But more opportunities are coming his way, and it wouldn’t be unreasonable to bet on Wicks finishing better as Love heals and gets more and more comfortable as a passer.

Under-the-radar Packers players who could break out in 2024

Who could break out for the Packers in 2024?

As the Green Bay Packers start their 2024 season, much of the attention will naturally focus on established stars and key rookies. However, several under-the-radar players on the Packers’ roster have the potential to break out and play significant roles this season. These players could make crucial contributions to Green Bay’s success.

Here are five Packers players who could break out in 2024:

1. Zach Tom (OL)

 (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

Zach Tom did play in all 17 games last season for the Packers, so he has established a significant role on the offensive line. However, his steady performance and adaptability makes him a prime candidate for a breakout season and could get some recognition around the league. Throughout his football career, Tom quickly proved his worth with his ability to play multiple positions, including center, guard, and tackle. This year will be interesting to watch as the Packers could leave him at right tackle or have him move to center or guard if injuries or poor performances from other players show up. Regardless, Tom played a solid role on the offensive line last season and will look to get recognition as one of the better offensive lineman throughout the league.

2. Dontayvion Wicks (WR)

Wm. Glasheen-USA TODAY Sports

It’s hard to find someone who isn’t excited about Dontayvion Wicks. The fifth-round pick out of Virginia made his mark in his rookie season by ranking third on the team with 39 receptions for 581 yards and four touchdowns but his ability to stretch the field, get separation, and make big plays are reasons why everyone is excited about Wicks. The Packers have a deep wide receiver core with Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed and Wicks, so it’s hard to label who’s the No. 1 option. However, if Wicks takes that extra step everyone is expecting to see, then maybe he might be the lead option among the wide receiver group.

3. Lukas Van Ness (DE)

Green Bay Packers linebacker Lukas Van Ness (90) reacts against the Dallas Cowboys during the fourth quarter of their wild card playoff game Sunday, January 14, 2024 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Green Bay defeated Dallas 48-32.

It was a quiet rookie season for Lukas Van Ness but there were flashes of his potential that made him a first-round pick in last year’s draft. With more experience under his belt, Van Ness could become a regular contributor in the Packers’ pass rush rotation, and we have seen him play a big role throughout preseason and make big plays. His size, speed, and power make him a dangerous weapon off the edge, and if he can continue to refine his technique, he could become a disruptive force in the backfield and a valuable piece in the rotation with Rashan Gary and Preston Smith.

4. Karl Brooks (DL)

(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Despite being a sixth-round draft pick last year, Karl Brooks showed flashes of potential with 20 tackles and four sacks. Brooks might not be able to crack the starting lineup but his combination of power and quickness makes him a valuable rotational piece on the defensive line. The defensive line room is crowded but with the new 4-3 scheme, it should keep players fresh in their rotation. This will help Brooks stay on the field, and given his ability to play multiple positions, this gives Brooks the ability to play in many upfront packages.

5. TJ Slaton (DL)

Green Bay Packers defensive tackle T.J. Slaton (93) stops San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) during the first quarter of their NFC divisional playoff game Saturday, January 20, 2024 at Levi’ Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

Staying in the defensive line, TJ Slaton could be in for a big season. Slaton has seen steady improvements since he entered the league in 2021 and is entering the final year on his rookie deal. In 2023, Slaton record career-highs with 50 tackles and 626 snaps played. In a room with Kenny Clark, Devonte Wyatt, and Karl Brooks, Slaton should still have a significant role, especially as one of the better run stoppers on the team. If Slaton improves upon a solid 2023 season, the former Florida Gator will be looking to cash in this offseason on a new contract.

While the Packers have their established stars and top rookies garnering most of the attention this offense, these under-the-radar players have the potential to make a significant impact in 2024. Whether through expanded roles, increased opportunities, or simply taking the next step in their development, Zach Tom, Dontayvion Wicks, Lukas Van Ness, Karl Brooks, and TJ Slaton are all players who could surprise fans and become key contributors as the Packers look to make a run in the upcoming season.

Packers coach Matt LaFleur is sick of hearing about No. 1 wide receivers

The Packers think they have four potential No. 1 wide receivers depending on the game and situation, so quit asking.

The Green Bay Packers have a bounty of young playmakers at wide receiver. The top four options in that room all possess qualities that make them potential No. 1 wide receivers. 

And coach Matt LaFleur is sick of hearing about which receiver is his No. 1.

“I want to vomit every time I hear No. 1 receiver,” LaFleur said during a press conference on Monday. “I think we’ve got a bunch of them…Especially those, I would say top four guys, they’re capable of being a No. 1 in some capacity.”

The days of Davante Adams gobbling up targets like he was Pac-Man are long gone. When Adams hit the field with Aaron Rodgers under center, it was a safe bet that he was going to haul in six-plus receptions for 80-plus yards and likely a touchdown. 

Now, with Jordan Love under center, the Packers may not have a No. 1 wide receiver. However, they have a talented group that knows on any given Sunday it could be their day to carry the torch.

“I feel like every day in training camp one of them has just been like, ‘whoa.’…They’re all pushing one another…If you have a bad day, the other guy is going to go and steal your spot that day.” Jason Vrable, Green Bay’s passing game coordinator said. 

Sonic Boom Jr

For those who have followed along, you know I’ve nicknamed Jayden Reed Sonic Boom Jr, an ode to Brandin Cooks during his days at Oregon State. Reed is an explosive play waiting to happen. During his rookie season, Reed led the Packers in receiving yards and accounted for 10 total touchdowns. With a year under his belt, Reed could again lead the Packers in touchdowns and receiving yards. 

The Separator

Dontayvion Wicks is arguably the best route runner on the team. His ability to create separation makes him a quarterback’s best friend. In the preseason opener, he beat man-to-man coverage from the slot for a 65-yard touchdown from Jordan Love.

“Obviously you see his talent, his ability to run routes and separate.” Green Bay wide receivers coach Ryan Mahaffey said during a Monday press conference.

Inspector Gadget

Go Go Gadget Arms. Romeo Doubs makes difficult catches look routine. Doubs has outstanding body control and has an innate ability to adjust to the ball in the air. According to Pro Football Focus, Doubs led the Packers in contested catches last season with 15. The next closest was Christian Watson with six. His ability to go up and get the ball could make him Love’s go-to target inside the 20. 

The speed merchant

At 6-4, 207 pounds, Christian Watson moves at a different speed. He’s an alien athlete, who can chew up grass quickly with his strides and speed. The former North Dakota State University product ran a 4.36 40-yard dash at the combine and according to Vrable the Packers have clocked him at 21.9 miles per hour in practice this summer. 

With so many mouths to feed and no clear lead dog, the situation can be maddening for fantasy football enthusiasts and opposing defensive coordinators. Even without an “alpha” wide receiver, Green Bay’s aerial attack could be one of the best in the league this upcoming season. 

How Jordan Love and Dontayvion Wicks opened Packers preseason with a long touchdown

How did the Packers score an opening drive touchdown against the Browns? Let’s dive in.

Fresh off signing a new $220 million contract, Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love wasted no time creating a big play with a throw to one of his many ascending wide receivers to open the 2024 preseason.

On the third play from scrimmage during Saturday’s preseason opener in Cleveland, Love went deep to second-year receiver Dontayvion Wicks for a 65-yard touchdown. The Packers took a 7-0 lead and never trailed again in the 23-10 victory over the Browns.

How did the explosive play happen?

Start with the alignment. On 3rd-and-4, the Packers came out in a trips (three receivers to a side) formation, with Wicks aligned centrally, Jayden Reed lined up inside Wicks and Luke Musgrave as the perimeter receiver.

The Browns matched with a single high safety and Ronnie Hickman — the second safety — lined up over Wicks in the slot. You can bet Love saw this pre-snap and knew exactly where he was going with the ball.

“We had a great play dialed up for that situation. One-on-one with Wicks in the slot, and the safety was a little off him,” Love said post-game.

Two things happened from there.

First, Love used his eyes to manipulate the single high safety. Keying on Reed running an over route from right to left drew the safety and took him out of the picture, giving Wicks half the field to work his route-running magic in one-on-one coverage.

Using a touch of Davante Adams wizardry, Wicks hesitated at the top of the route, got Hickman to stop his feet and then used a subtle outside move to blow past him. It’s possible a quick slot corner would have had a chance to recover. Hickman, a safety, had no chance.

Wicks executed the slot fade — a staple route for the Packers under Matt LaFleur — to perfection.

“He ran a great route. He lulled him to sleep at the top and was able to go past him,” Love said.

Inside the pocket, Love hit his back foot and delivered before Wicks was even past Hickman. The throw was almost perfect, hitting Wicks in stride and giving him a chance to run away from Hickman and into the end zone.

Love launched from his own 26-yard line. The ball ended up in Wicks’ hands at the Browns’ 45. Given the accuracy, it was like Love handed the ball off to Wicks 30 yards down the field.

“Put the ball out there for him and he made the rest happen. Great play by him,” Love said.

Love’s deep ball accuracy was a little erratic to start his first season as a starter, but he caught fire during the second half of the season and was one of the NFL’s better quarterbacks attacking downfield to end the year. His throw to Wicks on Saturday suggests his deep ball is only getting better.

Love’s final stat line on Saturday: 2/2 for 63 yards and a touchdown, with a perfect 158.3 passer rating. He departed after the opening touchdown drive.

Wicks was even more efficient. He played exactly one snap from scrimmage. His final stat line: One catch, 65 yards, and a touchdown.