Tag: Juwann Winfree

Juwann Winfree adding another steady presence to Packers WR room

The ups and downs are everywhere in the Packers’ young receiver group, but Juwann Winfree has remained steady and reliable.

There have been a few instances throughout training camp that Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has gone out of his way to praise wide receiver Juwann Winfree. 

On the flip side, just last week when meeting with reporters, Rodgers expressed the need for the Packers’ young receivers to be more reliable – even adding that dropped passes aren’t going to result in playing time.

The trio of Amari Rodgers, Romeo Doubs, and Samori Toure responded well the following day in a joint practice with New Orleans, but we saw more ups and downs from this group in the preseason game, including several more dropped passes.

Doubs has been a part of a number of big plays this summer, and as a result, keeping him off the field – even with the highs and lows – is becoming more challenging by the day. Winfree, however, has provided an additional steady presence at the receiver position since training camp began. 

On the first day of practice, and on the ninth play overall, Rodgers connected with Winfree on a downfield pass with Eric Stokes in coverage. Since then, the trust and rapport between the two have continued to grow.

“I will say,” Rodgers told reporters recently, “between 88 (Winfree) and 87 (Doubs), there’s been a lot of positive things that makes you feel good about the depth we could have in that room.”

Winfree has since seen his share of snaps with the starting offense throughout camp and has been a reliable target in the two preseason games for Jordan Love. 

Although he hasn’t leaped off the screen the way that Doubs has, Winfree, led all Packers pass-catchers in receiving yards against the Saints with 41. He has also caught six of his nine passes for 68 yards, and perhaps most importantly, Winfree doesn’t have a drop per PFF.

This is that dependability that Rodgers often talks about. Not only catching passes, but running the correct routes, being in the right spot at the right time, and recognizing when the play needs to be adjusted based on the defensive alignment. 

Winfree only has 165 career NFL snaps on offense, not many more than the three other receivers mentioned above. But he is now entering his fourth NFL season and third in the Matt LaFleur offense, where his experience likely gives him a bit of an edge over the young pass-catchers.

In addition to standing out on offense, Winfree has also seen starting reps on special teams, specifically with each of the return units. For any back-end of the roster player, special teams contributions are a must.

Winfree entered the summer on the roster bubble. LaFleur has never rostered more than six receivers on his initial 53-man roster, and before the Packers even took the practice field, six of those roster spots at the position were already accounted for.

But Winfree has provided needed stability to a position that has very much been in flux. He also appears to have Rodgers in his corner as well – and that certainly isn’t a bad thing with the final cut-down date looming. 

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Packers return trio of roster-bubble players to practice on Monday

Juwann Winfree, Tipa Galeai and Dominique Dafney all returned after short-term injuries.

For a player on the roster bubble, being available is everything. Injuries can all but end a fringe player’s chances of making the team during training camp.

Three players on the roster bubble for the Green Bay Packers avoided this scenario and returned to practice after short-term injuries coming out of the preseason opener.

According to Rob Demovsky of ESPN, receiver Juwann Winfree, outside linebacker Tipa Galeai and tight end Dominique Dafney all returned to practice on Monday.

A fourth player on the roster bubble – receiver Malik Taylor – was no longer wearing a non-contact red uniform and is ready to participate in more team periods.

Winfree, who caught all three of his targets for 27 yards against the 49ers, was dealing with a groin injury. He’s attempting to make the team as the sixth or seventh receiver.

Galeai tallied two tackles, including a tackle for loss, but left the preseason opener after injuring his elbow. He’s still very much in the running for a roster spot as a backup edge rusher and special teamer.

Dafney has been dealing with a knee injury since last week. He sat out the preseason opener. Although Robert Tonyan is back from the PUP list, Dafney remains in the running for a roster spot as a move tight end.

Taylor is playing catchup after missing most of training camp with a shoulder injury. He’ll need to prove his worth on special teams over the final two preseason games to have a shot at making the 53.

Safety Dallin Leavitt (shoulder), defensive lineman Akial Byers (toe) and safety Tariq Carpenter (knee) all remained out with injuries suffered against the 49ers.

Injuries were too much for one player to overcome. Outside linebacker Randy Ramsey, who is still dealing with an ankle injury suffered last year, was released by the team on Monday.

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Packers WR Juwann Winfree offers up a reminder on Day 1 of training camp

WR Juwann Winfree, who made one of the best plays of Day 1 of training camp, has earned the trust of Packers QB Aaron Rodgers.

All eyes might be on the rookies and newcomer Sammy Watkins at wide receiver, but Juwann Winfree used the first day of training camp to offer up a reminder of why he’s still very much in the running to earn a role for Aaron Rodgers in the Green Bay Packers offense this season.

Winfree, who is now in his third season with the Packers, created one of the top plays of Wednesday’s practice when he made a terrific catch of a deep ball from Rodgers behind the coverage of starting cornerback Eric Stokes.

The play of No. 88 certainly caught the attention of the four-time MVP.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if 88 is over there and going, hey, I’m a pretty damn good football player, don’t forget about me,” Rodgers said Wednesday. “Because when he shows up and he’s healthy, he makes a lot of plays, he has the last couple of camps and dealt with an injury last year in camp. He definitely is going to put himself in a position to have an impact. It’s just a matter of him staying healthy and making plays.”

Winfree was a standout of last offseason before he injured his shoulder early in training camp, derailing his attempt to make the 53-man roster and contribute to start the regular season. He was eventually promoted and played in seven games, catching eight passes for 58 yards on 12 targets. He also fumbled twice.

But the consistency of big plays – especially with the first-team offense – has meant earning the trust of Rodgers, which is worth its weight in gold for Packers receivers.

“When he’s in the first huddle and you see me throw a deep ball to him, it’s great for him,” Rodgers said. “It’s the same message to you guys that it’s sending to him, that I trust you. As you guys know, that’s an important step that has to be taken in the process from quarterback to receiver.”

Winfree said he had to first learn how to practice like a professional and learn the offense fully before his full confidence as a player could finally show. Now, he’s playing fast and creating the consistency that Rodgers demands.

What does the trust from Rodgers mean? More internal confidence?

“Hell yeah. That’s a Hall of Famer throwing me the ball. Having him have that belief in me is just going to bring my game up that much higher,” Winfree said.

Winfree has often been the odd man out in 53-man roster predictions entering training camp, largely due to the rookie additions and the likelihood of Watkins, Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb cementing starting roles. Winfree might make himself tough to cut, or even force the Packers to keep more than five or six receivers on the opening roster.

“I’m really proud of Juwann,” Rodgers said. “He’s always been a professional for us. He’s had some bad luck with injuries. Hopefully, he can stay healthy and have a great camp.”

Without Davante Adams and Marquez Valdes-Scantling in Green Bay, Rodgers is going to need receivers he can trust, especially early on as Watkins and the rookies learn the ropes. Winfree has the trust. And if he keeps making plays and staying available, he should have a terrific opportunity to play a role for the 2022 Packers.

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Aaron Rodgers: Allen Lazard ready to make jump to No. 1 WR for Packers

Aaron Rodgers had a lot to say about the Packers wide receivers on the first day of training camp.

Since taking over as the starting quarterback in 2008, Aaron Rodgers has always had an established No. 1 wide receiver. From Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, James Jones, Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, and Davante Adams, Rodgers has always had “that guy.” 

Now as he prepares for his 18th year in the league, the reigning MVP will do so without that proven No. 1 wide receiver. 

“When you walk in the locker room for so many years and you see 87’s locker, that’s Jordy Nelson. You see Davante Adams. It gives you a different feel. You just kind of know that you got that guy. We have some opportunities for some guys to step into that role.”

Allen Lazard is the odds-on favorite to become the next No. 1 wide receiver for Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers. During the final five regular season games last season, Lazard hauled in 21 receptions for 290 yards and five touchdowns. 

“I think Allen is ready to make a jump and be a No. 1 wide receiver,” Rodgers said. “Excited about the opportunity to work with him.”

With Adams now in Las Vegas, there will be even more opportunities for Lazard to showcase his talents and build off his strong finish to the 2021-2022 season.

“He’s capable of a lot,’ Rodgers said. “Since his first day, he’s turned heads…He’s been working hard. He has a lot to prove to himself…I like a hungry Allen Lazard.”

After trading Adams to the Las Vegas Raiders and losing Marquez Valdes-Scantling in free agency Brian Gutekunst needed to rebuild Green Bay’s wide receiver room.

Gutekunst went out and signed veteran wide receiver Sammy Watkins to a one-year deal and drafted three wide receivers in the 2022 NFL Draft. 

A wide receiver depth chart that currently consists of names like Lazard, Cobb, Watkins, Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Amari Rodgers, and Samori Toure is not going to turn heads. However, Rodgers likes the makeup of the group. 

“Allen sets the standard,” Rodgers said. “Randall sets the standard…the young guys have to pay attention…there is a lot of talent in that room for sure, and a lot of motivation for some of the comments that’s been sent that room’s way. I like what we did on day one.”

Lazard, Cobb, Watkins, Watson, Doubs, and Rodgers all would appear to be roster locks at this point. A player that could force Green Bay to keep seven wide receivers is Juwann Winfree. Winfree has eight career receptions to his name but has earned the trust of the reigning MVP. 

“I wouldn’t be surprised if 88 is over there saying ‘I’m a pretty damn good football player, don’t forget about me’…I think he definitely is going to put himself into a position to have an impact,” Rodgers said. “I’m really proud of Juwann. He’s always been a professional for us.”

Cobb is the seasoned veteran among the group and has 591 career receptions to his name. However, he’s nowhere near the player that caught 91 passes for the Packers in 2014. 

Watkins has 348 career receptions but hasn’t played a full slate of games since his rookie season in 2014. 

Lazard is the clear-cut favorite to become Rodgers’ next go-to guy. Who will step up behind him is unclear. Rodgers noted that the young players have talent, but said it will take time to see who becomes the next great wide receiver for the Packers. 

“Obviously 17 as a rookie wasn’t what he was when he left,” Rodgers said. “Jordy Nelson as a rookie was returning kicks and I think he had one or two touchdowns…We need to have patience with them.”

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WR Juwann Winfree stands out at Packers first minicamp practice, ready for 2022

WR Juwann Winfree made the play of the day during the Packers’ first minicamp practice on Tuesday.

The Green Bay Packers held their first mandatory minicamp practice on Tuesday, and none other than wide receiver Juwann Winfree was one of the notable standouts.

According to reporters at practice, Winfree was first in line during wide receiver drills, catching everything thrown his way. That carried over to the 7-on-7 portion where he had a tremendous 31-yard touchdown catch during the two-minute period with Jaire Alexander in coverage.

Winfree is playing with a ton of confidence after taking a step in the right direction last season. Unfortunately, an impressive start to training camp was derailed by a shoulder injury that kept Winfree sidelined for all three preseason games. The injury likely cost him a spot on the initial 53-man roster as he spent time shuffling between the practice squad and active roster.

In 2021, Winfree played in seven games, most notably filling in for a short-handed wide receiving corps against the Arizona Cardinals in week 8. Sans Davante Adams and Allen Lazard, Winfree had four receptions totaling 30 receiving yards. His season ended with eight catches on 13 targets for 58 yards.

Winfree recently told Packers.com that “consistency and availability” are what he is focused on heading into 2022.

“I feel like I was ready last year,” he said. “I was ready to take that next step, and I got hurt in camp.”

Fast forward to today, and Winfree is healthy and making plays once again. It comes at an opportune time with Adams now a member of the Las Vegas Raiders and Lazard still waiting to sign his contract tender. Now that Aaron Rodgers’ favorite target is no longer in the picture, Winfree’s goal is to uphold the standard built by previous Green Bay receivers.

“There’s a reason why this team wins every year,” Winfree said. “If Tae’s not out there, the game is not going to fall off. You don’t ever see the game just fall off because Davante is not out there because it’s the standard and the quality of play that has been set here.”

The Packers just took three wide receivers in the 2022 NFL draft to help offset the loss of Adams, but Winfree is entering his third season with Green Bay. Perhaps, he is a surprise candidate to step up in Adams’ absence.

Packers promote WR Juwann Winfree from practice squad to 53-man roster

With injuries mounting at wide receiver, the Green Bay Packers are adding help from the practice squad. 

With injuries mounting at wide receiver, the Green Bay Packers are adding help from the practice squad.

The team promoted receiver Juwann Winfree from the practice squad to the 53-man roster on Tuesday. Agent Mike McCartney announced the move earlier Tuesday.

Winfree has played in three games for the Packers as a practice squad elevation this season. He has four catches on six targets for 30 yards, all coming during a Week 8 win over the Arizona Cardinals.

The Packers need extra depth at receiver with Equanimeous St. Brown (concussion) and Malik Taylor (abdominal) both dealing with injuries. Randall Cobb was placed on injured reserve last Saturday while he recovers from core muscle surgery.

St. Brown and Taylor were both stalwarts on special teams. Winfree will also have to contribute in the third phase, although he does not have experience as a returner.

Davante Adams, Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Allen Lazard, the team’s top three receivers, are healthy. The Packers also have rookie Amari Rodgers, who has been the primary returner but struggled to find snaps on offense.

It’s possible Winfree will slot in as the No. 4 receiver until St. Brown clears concussion protocol.

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Juwann Winfree’s debut might cause him to stick around in the NFL

Juwann Winfree performed well for the Packers.

The Colorado Buffaloes don’t have a ton of players in the NFL but the ones they do have are popping up more and more.

When the season began, we examined the Buffs alums in the NFL on both offense and defense.

But, one Buffs alum that made a splash this past week is Juwann Winfree. With the Green Bay Packers ravaged by COVID-19 issues prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals, the Packers activated Winfree.

Both Davante Adams and Allen Lazard were on the COVID list, and that gave Winfree—and others in Green Bay—a shot in the NFL, on primetime, against a loaded Cardinals team.

Winfree didn’t disappoint, either. 

That was Winfree’s first NFL catch after spending a couple of seasons in and out of practice squads. He was originally drafted by the Denver Broncos as a 6th round pick in 2019.

Nonetheless, Winfree was given a golden opportunity and finished the game with four catches for 30 yards. After the victory against the Cardinals, Winfree was protected on the practice squad, a sign that he will stick around longer with Green Bay.

Despite the Packers’ loaded roster, one area that is thin is the wide receiver position. After Adams and Lazard, it gets a bit messy on the depth chart. If Winfree can perform well and on a consistent basis, perhaps he can carve out a regular role on one of the best teams in the NFL.

Winfree’s story will be something to monitor this season, especially given his unorthodox path.

Packers protect practice squad WR Juwann Winfree, likely to be elevated to play vs. Cardinals

The Packers should get some help at wide receiver on Thursday night in Arizona from Juwann Winfree on the practice squad.

The Green Bay Packers should get some help at receiver on Thursday night from a player on the practice squad.

The team protected receiver Juwann Winfree, meaning he’s likely to be elevated from the practice squad as a COVID-19 replacement this week against the Arizona Cardinals.

Teams can protect up to four players on the practice squad each week. If protected, a player cannot be signed to the 53-man roster by another team. The Packers also protected quarterback Kurt Benkert, long snapper Steven Wirtel and kicker J.J. Molson.

Both Davante Adams and Allen Lazard are on the COVID-19 reserve list, giving the Packers an opportunity to elevate a player like Winfree without using one of the two available elevations for practice squad players each season.

Matt LaFleur said it’s possible Winfree will be needed to play snaps at receiver against the Cardinals.

“He’s a guy that we have a lot of confidence in,” LaFleur said.

Winfree, who has been in Green Bay since October of last year, was previously elevated from the practice squad as a COVID-19 replacement for Malik Taylor in Week 6. He played two snaps on offense against the Chicago Bears.

Overall, Winfree has played in three games over the last two seasons with the Packers. He was on the field for eight offensive snaps and 21 special teams snaps over two games last season.

Winfree was one of the team’s surprise players during organized team activities over the summer. Both LaFleur and quarterback Aaron Rodgers were impressed with his work to start training camp, but an injury knocked him out of preseason games and eliminated him from the competition to be the No. 6 receiver.

Without Adams and Lazard, the Packers may need Winfree to be a complementary player alongside Randall Cobb, Equanimeous St. Brown and Amari Rodgers. Taylor is just getting back after two weeks away on the COVID reserve list, and the team still hasn’t activated Marquez Valdes-Scantling off injured reserve.

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Packers elevate WR Juwann Winfree from practice squad to gameday roster for Week 6

The Packers are bringing up WR Juwann Winfree from the practice squad for Sunday’s showdown with the Bears.

The Green Bay Packers will get some extra help on offense and possibly on special teams from the practice squad in Week 6.

The team elevated wide receiver Juwann Winfree from the practice squad to the gameday roster for Sunday’s showdown with the Chicago Bears.

The Packers needed depth at receiver with Marquez Valdes-Scantling on injured reserve for at least one more game and Malik Taylor now on the COVID-19 reserve list.

Teams can elevate a player from the practice squad two times in a season, but Winfree is a COVID-19 replacement for Taylor, meaning he’ll still have two more elevations available for 2021.

Winfree, who arrived in Green Bay on the practice squad in October of last year, enjoyed a standout performance during the offseason workout program and was impressing early on in training camp. However, he was injured early on at camp and missed all three preseason games, but the Packers still kept him around on the practice squad, where he’s remained all season.

Winfree will get a chance to contribute on Sunday, especially on special teams. Taylor is one of the team’s most-used players on special teams.

Last season, the Packers elevated Winfree from the practice squad twice. He played eight snaps on offense and 14 on special teams but did not receive a target or record any other statistic.

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WR Juwann Winfree doing ‘a lot of great things’ at Packers training camp

WR Juwann Winfree, a standout from the offseason workout program, is stacking success to start Green Bay Packers training camp. 

A standout from the offseason workout program is stacking success to start Green Bay Packers training camp.

Nearly every day, receiver Juwann Winfree has made a noteworthy play or two – and his coach is noticing the offseason carryover.

“I think Juwann’s done a lot of great things,” coach Matt LaFleur said, via Wes Hodkiewicz of Packers.com. “I think he’s kind of picked up where he left off in the offseason program and OTAs. Obviously being with us throughout the course of the season last year definitely laid a good foundation for him so he understands what the expectations are.”

Winfree, a sixth-round pick of the Denver Broncos in 2019, spent 16 weeks on the Packers’ practice squad last season. He came back after a year in Green Bay and impressed throughout the offseason workout program, making catch after catch as a top option with many of the top receivers not participating.

It’s one thing to make plays during the spring. It’s another to turn those successes into something more at training camp, where roster spots are ultimately won and lost.

While MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers missed the offseason workout program, he can see a difference in the young receiver at camp.

“Juwann has had a really nice offseason. He looks, body-wise, differently,” Rodgers said Wednesday.

Winfree is engaged in a fierce position battle at receiver. The top five at the position might be locks, but there’s room for a sixth or seventh receiver on the roster, especially if a player like Winfree keeps standing out during camp.

As always, preseason games will be vital to the evaluation of the young receivers. The Packers have Family Night on Saturday, exactly one week before the preseason kicks off with a visit from the Houston Texans. Winfree must keep impressing over the next three or four weeks.

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