The Green Bay Packers suspended wide receiver Romeo Doubs for Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Rams for conduct detrimental to the team.
The Green Bay Packers suspended wide receiver Romeo Doubs for Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Rams for conduct detrimental to the team.
Doubs, the team leader in snaps played at wide receiver, skipped practices on Thursday and Friday and didn’t travel with the team to Los Angeles.
General manager Brian Gutekunst called it a “difficult decision” to suspend Doubs.
“His decisions and actions during the week negatively impacted the team and required us to take this action,” Gutekunst said in a press release. “While we are certainly disappointed, we are confident that we will be able to move forward in a positive manner. Romeo is a valuable member of our team and we look forward to welcoming him back next week.”
Doubs has 12 catches on 20 targets for 169 yards and no touchdowns through four games. He’s been on the field for 224 offensive snaps, or 81 percent of the offense’s snaps.
Doubs will be eligible to return next week before the Packers play the Arizona Cardinals at Lambeau Field.
The Packers will likely be without Doubs and Christian Watson, who is doubtful to play with an ankle injury. The team did not elevate a wide receiver from the practice, so it’ll be Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, Bo Melton and Malik Heath on Sunday against the Rams.
Doubs is the second Packers player to be suspended for conduct detrimental to the team in the last two seasons, joining cornerback Jaire Alexander, who was suspended in Week 17 of last year.
Doubs does not count on the 53-man roster while suspended. With an open roster spot, the Packers signed cornerback Robert Rochell to the active roster.
The Steelers are in the market for a wide receiver, but Romeo Doubs of the Green Bay Packers doesn’t feel like a good option.
All offseason, the Pittsburgh Steelers were connected with San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk in trade rumors. Now we get news that the Steelers are actively pursuing a trade for Las Vegas Raiders WR Davante Adams. If there’s a wide receiver who might be available, the Steelers are probably interested.
But not in this case. Not at all.
The reports are that Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs has skipped two straight practices as he is unhappy with his role in the Packers offense. The team was concerned about Doubs and even went to his house to check on him.
Doubs had career highs last season with 59 receptions for 674 yards and eight touchdowns. This season, the entire Packers passing offense has been off pace, but Doubs is still second on the team in catches (12) and receiving yards (169).
If Doubs is angling for a trade, this type of behavior doesn’t exactly make a good first impression on prospective suitors.
NFC North watch: Packers top target skips practices because he’s unhappy with his role and is doubtful to play in Week 5
While the Lions are off on a bye week, things around the NFC North division never sleep. That includes some brewing drama in Green Bay between the Packers and one of their most important offensive players.
Wide receiver Romeo Doubs is listed as doubtful for Green Bay’s game on Sunday, but he’s not injured. Several reports indicate Doubs skipped practices throughout the week in frustration with his role in the Packers offense.
Doubs leads all Packers wide receivers in snaps played (224) and is second in targets (22). He was targeted a season-high eight times during the Packers’ loss to the Minnesota Vikings last Sunday. In two games with Jordan Love at quarterback this season, Doubs received 15 targets — or 7.5 per game.
In two games against Detroit last year, Doubs hauled in 12 passes for 132 yards. Green Bay is playing the Los Angeles Rams in Week 5 and could also be without WR Christian Watson.
Update:
The #Packers have placed WR Romeo Doubs on the reserve/suspended list for one game for conduct detrimental to the team.
The “personal issue” involving Romeo Doubs is unhappiness with his role. The Packers wide receiver missed practices on Thursday and Friday and is doubtful to play Sunday.
A stunning twist in an emerging story regarding Romeo Doubs: the Green Bay Packers receiver skipped practices on Thursday and Friday after becoming upset with his role in the team’s passing game, per Bill Huber of SI.com.
After missing practice on back-to-back days, the Packers listed Doubs as doubtful to play Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams with what is described vaguely as a “personal issue.” Coach Matt LaFleur said he is still “day to day,” but he expected Doubs back at practice Friday and it didn’t happen.
Doubs leads all Packers wide receivers in snaps played (224) and is second in targets (22). He was targeted a season-high eight times during the Packers’ loss to the Minnesota Vikings last Sunday. In two games with Jordan Love at quarterback this season, Doubs received 15 targets — or 7.5 per game.
Last season, Doubs led the team in targets with 96 and led Packers receivers with 845 snaps played. Over two playoff games, he caught 10 passes for 234 yards and a score.
Per Huber, Doubs practiced on Wednesday but then didn’t show up to the team facility on Thursday. Wednesday is typically install day for an offense, so it’s possible Doubs got the plan for this week and wasn’t happy about his role. The team had to go to Doubs’ house on Thursday to find him, per Huber, suggesting there are a few more layers to peel back on this situation.
The Packers are headed to Los Angeles to play the 31st ranked Rams defense, and Christian Watson, who has an ankle injury, isn’t expected to play. Doubs, a fourth-round pick in the 2022 draft, is a Los Angeles native.
Through four games, Doubs has 12 catches on 20 targets for 169 yards. He hasn’t caught a touchdown after hauling in eight last season, but he’s been targeted three times inside the 20-yard line, trailing only Tucker Kraft (4) and Dontayvion Wicks (4).
If Watson and Doubs don’t play on Sunday, the Packers would rely on Wicks, Jayden Reed, Bo Melton and Malik Heath at wide receiver against the Rams. Wicks had 13 targets last week, Reed looks more and more like the No. 1 option in the passing game, Melton had a 100-yard receiving game last season and Heath has 17 catches on 26 career targets.
Green Bay Packers receiver Romeo Doubs wasn’t on the practice field on Thursday due to a personal reason and will be day to day ahead of Sunday’s showdown with the Los Angeles Rams.
Green Bay Packers receiver Romeo Doubs wasn’t on the practice field on Thursday due to a personal reason and will be day to day ahead of Sunday’s showdown with the Los Angeles Rams.
Coach Matt LaFleur said he was hopeful Doubs would be back for Friday’s practice.
“Yeah, I would hope so,” LaFleur said Thursday. “We’ll take it one day at a time.”
Doubs has played 224 offensive snaps, the most among Packers receivers so far in 2024.
Through four games, Doubs has caught 12 of 20 targets for 169 yards. He’s averaging a career high 14.1 yards per catch and 8.5 yards per target but hasn’t yet caught a touchdown pass after hauling in eight last season. Nine of his 12 catches have gained first downs.
The Packers were also without receiver Christian Watson, who is recovering from an ankle injury suffered Sunday against the Vikings. Watson has missed back-to-back practices and isn’t expected to play against the Rams.
If Doubs and Watson are unavailable on Sunday, the Packers would have Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, Bo Melton and Malik Heath as the four receivers on the 53-man roster. Julian Hicks, Cornelius Johnson and TJ Luther are available for elevation from the practice squad if necessary.
Some BOLD predictions for the Packers entering Sunday’s showdown with the Colts.
As the Green Bay Packers head into their Week 2 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, the stakes are high as both teams are looking to rebound from tough Week 1 losses.
The Packers are in uncharted territories as there are questions surrounding Jordan Love’s availability after his injury. It also doesn’t help that the defense surrendered 34 points to the Philadelphia Eagles. Meanwhile, the Colts will be looking to establish consistency with Anthony Richardson under center while fixing their defensive woes, particularly against the run.
With so many storylines brewing, this game has all the makings of an entertaining matchup. Here are five bold predictions that could define the outcome of this critical Week 2 matchup.
1. Malik Willis scores three touchdowns
Tennessee Titans quarterback Malik Willis (7) throws on the run against the Seattle Seahawks during their game at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024.
The former Tennessee Titan doesn’t have much experience under his belt but he has played in eight games with three of them being starts. He’s 51-for-100 on passing attempts and has thrown for 536 yards with zero touchdowns and three interceptions. Willis does have 27 carries for 123 yards and one touchdown. You would have to go back to his collegiate career at Liberty which made him an intriguing NFL prospect. In his final season with the Flames, Willis totaled 2,857 passing yards, 27 passing touchdowns, and 13 rushing touchdowns.
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur is no stranger to having a backup quarterback making starts as he had Jordan Love start in Week 9, 2021 against the Kansas City Chiefs, and a majority of 2018 with the Tennessee Titans when Blaine Gabbert played for an injured Marcus Mariota. In those games, LaFleur did put the backup quarterback in a position to succeed as Love outplayed Patrick Mahomes but lost 13-7, then the Titans finished 9-7 and just missed the playoffs.
Willis hasn’t gotten much of a shot in the NFL but this becomes a perfect opportunity to show what he can. He has a lot of talent around him, plus a coach that can put him in the right spot to make a play. Willis will show off his athleticism and dual-threat ability where he could probably run for two touchdowns and throw for one.
2. Josh Jacobs Totals 150+ All-Purpose Yards
Sep 6, 2024; Sao Paulo, BRA; Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (8) runs during the second half against the Philadelphia Eagles at Neo Quimica Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Malik Willis scoring three total touchdowns could be a long shot, especially with how quickly he’s thrown into the starting quarterback role. However, one thing for certain, the Packers will rely on running back Josh Jacobs to carry the bulk of the offense.
There are many reasons to believe Jacobs could be in for a monster game against the Colts. The first one has already been mentioned with helping out Willis and carrying most offensive plays. We saw against the Eagles that the Packers won’t abandon the run as the first half was difficult but Jacobs began to spring open some nice runs in the second half. There’s no secret that the Packers will rely on Jacobs but they can’t start slow like last week.
Another reason is that the Colts’ run defense struggled against the Houston Texans in Week 1. Former Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon had 30 carries for 159 yards and one touchdown. Lastly, Establishing a strong running game early will not only take pressure off Willis but also help the Packers control the clock and keep Indianapolis’ offense off the field. A heavy dose of Jacobs could limit the opportunities for the Colts’ offense, especially if they want Anthony Richardson to find a rhythm.
3. Packers Defense Forces Three Turnovers
Sep 6, 2024; Sao Paulo, BRA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander (23) runs during the second half against the Philadelphia Eagles at Neo Quimica Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Packers’ defense showed its ability to create turnovers in Week 1, forcing three takeaways against the Eagles. Now, this will be the first time the Packers will see Richardson; however, he completed only 9-of-19 passes with a few overthrown balls and a critical interception in their loss to the Texans. With Richardson’s tendency to make mistakes under pressure, the Packers’ front seven will aim to collapse the pocket and force rushed decisions. If the defense can generate consistent pressure, they could easily come away with multiple interceptions or forced fumbles, and help limit the pressure on Willis.
4. Romeo Doubs Breakout Game
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – JUNE 04: Romeo Doubs #87 of the Green Bay Packers participates in drills during the Green Bay Packers Minicamp at Ray Nitschke Field on June 04, 2024 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Last week, it was the Jayden Reed show but given the current state of the wide receiver room, anyone could explode for a huge game. In a Week 2 matchup against the Colts, it could be Romeo Doubs, who might have developed a strong chemistry with Willis in practice so far.
Just like their run game, the Colts passing game also struggled against the Texans and are dealing with injuries in their secondary. Doubs has shown in the past that he is a reliable target in both the short and deep routes and given the versatility of Willis, Doubs could be Willis’ go-to guy.
5. Rashan Gary Records Two Sacks
(Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
Rashan Gary made his presence felt in Week 1, recording a sack against the Eagles. To help out the offense and lead the defense to a better performance, Gary is a player the Packers will have to lean on.
The Colts’ offensive line struggled to protect Richardson in Week 1 as he was sacked four times, was hurried on several occasions, and played a factor in Richardson’s errant throws. This also led to Richardson playing a lot outside of the pocket and forcing himself to run the ball
If Gary can build on his Week 1 performance, he’s in a great position to record multiple sacks and force Richardson into hurried throws or costly mistakes. His ability to collapse the pocket could be key in disrupting the Colts’ offensive rhythm, giving the Packers a bounce-back performance, and helping Willis and the offense.
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.
Passing game coordinator Jason Vrable said they track receiver speeds in practice and Christian Watson has had multiple days where he’s hit the high 21 mph mark. “When you’re 21.9 in practice … that’s flying,” he said. pic.twitter.com/wWRtkzlKZ7
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.
With Green Bay Packers QB Jordan Love ranked No. 2 in the NFL pass TD’s last year, joint practice may benefit the Baltimore Ravens DB’s.
Did you know Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love ranked No. 2 in pass touchdowns and No. 7 in passing yards last season? Perhaps the Baltimore Ravens will benefit by having their defensive backs run practice reps in Wisconsin next month.
Keep a close eye on rookie defensive backs Nate Wiggins and T.J. Tampa in the upcoming joint practice with the Packers. The Packers’ wide receiving core includes Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, and Dontayvion Wicks, targets shown to be serviceable in head coach Matt LaFleur’s offense.
With the addition of running back Josh Jacobs, the Packers will be the perfect offense for the Ravens to test their defense versus play-action.
Ravens inside linebacker Roquan Smith will be responsible for familiarizing the rookies with pre-snap identifiers and playcalling. With new intricacies to be introduced in defensive coordinator Zach Orr’s playbook, the rookies must prepare by studying film and getting many practice reps.
The Ravens will get back to it when training camp begins Jul. 20. Orr knows that with the departure of a few key players on defense, the world will be watching to see how the team reinvigorates.
Trying to make sense of all that is the Green Bay receiving corps.
The Green Bay Packers have one of the most complex fantasy football wide receiver rooms as any team in the league. Their 2024 salaries combined are just $11.5 million, but the Packers had surprising production with a group approach that included rookies Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks and second-year players Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs. At one point or another, each player was the go-to receiver for Jordan Love, but none of them sustained it over the course of the season, making all of them have slowly descending value with none of them viewed as a dominant fantasy starter.
Packers coach Matt LaFleur on Romeo Doubs: “I think Rome had an outstanding spring. I really do.”
Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur praised the work accomplished and improvement made by receiver Romeo Doubs during the offseason workout program.
LaFleur said the Packers challenged Doubs in a few areas and he responded in a big way.
“I think Rome had an outstanding spring. I really do,” LaFleur said Wednesday. “It’s evident in the work he puts in on a daily basis. He’s in there in the morning, catching off the JUGS, he’s one of the last guys to leave the building. He’s very deliberate about the work he puts in. And it shows. We challenged him on a couple things that we thought he could do a better job with, really stressing the importance of opening up his stride, he’s embraced that. You’ve seen that. He’s had a lot of great moments.”
Doubs caught eight touchdown passes and improved his yards per catch, success rate and yards per target during the 2023 season. Over two postseason games, Doubs caught a team-high 10 passes for 234 yards and a score, providing an excellent end to his second season and potentially creating a springboard to a bigger step in Year 3.
Mixing great moments with daily consistency this spring is a recipe for real improvement for a third-year player who has been on the field a lot during his first two NFL seasons.
“Matter of fact, I can’t think of a bad day he’s had out there (during the offseason workout program),” LaFleur said. “He’s definitely improving.”
Doubs wasn’t willing to talk good or bad, but he also believes he improved this offseason.
“I thought it was progressive,” Doubs said. “Every day it was something I could get better at, and that’s what I look forward to over the course of this summer and going into camp.”
Doubs is a 23-game starter who has played almost 1,400 regular season snaps during his first two seasons. Can he become a go-to playmaker for Jordan Love in 2024?
Doubs said his plan was to “be a family man and train” during the five-week break between the end of the program and camp.
