Matthew Golden’s name popped up early in the week on the Green Bay Packers’ injury report, and that was enough to raise questions heading into a critical Week 16 matchup against the Chicago Bears. With Green Bay dealing with multiple injuries at WR, Golden’s status mattered a lot more than usual.
The bright side for Green Bay is that Golden was back at full practice - no injury tag ahead of Saturday’s game. Though he’d dealt with a wrist problem, it didn’t stop him from going hard all week. Medically speaking, he's good to go and should play at Soldier Field.
That alone is important, but context is also crucial. Sunday’s loss to the Broncos left Green Bay thinner than expected. Christian Watson left the game with a sore chest. For a second, it seemed Golden could step up. Coming off a solid performance (three grabs, 55 yards), the chance did feel real.
By midweek, though, that picture changed.
Head coach Matt LaFleur said Watson’s getting better - should take part in drills this week, though not full sessions. This news doesn’t mean he’ll definitely suit up; still, it makes it less probable Golden gets treated like the main guy during prep.
Matthew Golden’s Role and Why His Week 16 Outlook Is Complicated
Green Bay Packers rookie receiver Matthew Golden talks during a donation ceremony Dec. 9 at Paul's Pantry in Green Bay, Wis. Packers sponsor Sargento donates $2,000 for every touchdown Green Bay scores during the season.
Golden’s availability isn’t in question. His opportunity is. The rookie's debut season's been shaky, mostly due to injuries plus bad timing. His wrist and shoulder problems broke his flow early on. Yet, when Green Bay’s receivers are all fit, he usually gets pushed lower down the lineup. Still, there’ve been moments where he’s looked promising.
Golden has 27 receptions for 341 yards on 37 targets this season, averaging 12.6 yards per catch. His best game came in Week 6 against Cincinnati, when he posted a season-high 86 receiving yards. His performance in Denver last week was his most productive since then.
The challenge now is depth. Dontayvion Wicks showed up at practice Wednesday - another player returning to a packed lineup. Romeo Doubs leads the pass catchers - 578 yards and five scores on the board. On another note, Watson’s at 481 yards and five TDs through eight outings, racking up 89 yards plus two touchdowns against Chicago back on Dec 7. Wicks is sitting on 313 yards with two end-zone visits, still factoring into things; meanwhile, Jayden Reed remains part of it all despite just four appearances since cracking his collarbone.
When everyone is available, targets become harder to find. Golden has fewer targets than Doubs, Watson, and Wicks, and Reed would likely be ahead of him as well if not for missed time.
That doesn’t mean Golden will disappear against the Bears. His speed and ability to stretch the field still give Green Bay something different, and injuries have a way of reshaping game plans late in the season. However, if Watson and Wicks can play, Golden’s chances of building off his Week 15 performance may be limited.
For now, the bottom line is clear: Matthew Golden is healthy and cleared for Week 16, but his role remains fluid. How much he contributes Saturday night may depend less on his wrist and more on how crowded the Packers’ receiver room looks by kickoff.
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Matthew Golden is a rookie wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers in the 2025 NFL season. While his first year has been marked by injuries and fluctuating usage, he has shown flashes of playmaking ability when given opportunities. A pro athlete, he continues to build his professional profile while staying in touch with the Matthew Golden Community.
For the latest updates on his journey and statistics, visit Matthew Golden's athlete page.
To bring him to the events, please visit Matthew Golden's booking request page.
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