Yesterday we got unfortunate news that Allen Lazard missed practice. It’s not what you want to see just 6 days before the Packers face off against a familiar foe in the Minnesota Vikings.
Considering our receiving core is already filled with question marks it would be a blow to this Packer’s team to not have one of Rodger’s most trusted weapons to start the season. Now I don’t think it would be the end of the world. Sammy Watkins and Randall Cobb are 2 guys that Aaron Rodgers seems to trust. Romeo Doubs would likely get a lot more work than what we initially expected if Lazard does in fact miss the game.
Here is what Matt Lafleur said yesterday when asked if there is concern about Allen Lazard’s status:
“I think Allen is doing better. We’ll see as the week progresses where he’s at.”
Very vague, but it does seem that there is at least some concern about Lazard playing. Last week Aaron Rodgers mentioned in an interview at his locker the three guys who he thought deserved to be starting at receiver: Allen Lazard, Sammy Watkins, and Randall Cobb. If Lazard can’t go my assumption would be that Romeo Doubs fills Lazard’s spot. Now he may not be as experienced and know the offense as well as Lazard but I do believe that Doubs is just as talented if not more talented. He’s fast and can get open. That’s all that you really need at the end of the day.
Outside of Doubs and the players already mentioned here are the only other receivers on the roster: Amari Rodgers, Samori Toure, Christian Watson. The Packers are hopeful that Watson will be able to start on Sunday after dealing with a knee injury all training camp. He is probably the most athletically gifted receiver on this roster. In the draft process he tested as one of the most athletically gifted receivers of all time. There is a reason the Packers traded 2 second round picks to move up to draft Christian Watson early in the 2nd round of the draft. He hasn’t had as much time to build chemistry with Rodgers but his speed will likely be a problem for any and every defense the Packers face.
These rookies will have to step up right away if Lazard sits out. We will see later this week whether or not he is able to go.
We will find out Sunday. The only way a young player really learns the NFL is on the field in meaningful games. GoPackGo!