GREEN BAY \u2014 Matthew Golden has officially settled on No. 0 for his jersey number, but it\u2019s safe to say there\u2019s a non-zero chance of the Green Bay Packers first-round pick having a meaningful role in Sunday\u2019s regular-season opener against the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field.<\/p>\n
With Jayden Reed dealing with a foot injury that kept him from practicing on Wednesday, Dontayvion Wicks coming off a calf injury that sidelined him for three weeks during training camp and Christian Watson on the physically unable to perform list, Golden will not only make his NFL debut Sunday, he figures to be a key cog in the Packers\u2019 offensive operation.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m just looking forward to the first game of the season,\u201d Golden said after practice Wednesday. \u201cI feel I got a good grasp of the offense, all around \u2014 not just one position but inside, outside, and just the small details.<\/p>\n
\u201cI feel like those small details, it brings you a long way. That\u2019s one thing that I adjusted to when I got to the NFL.\u201d<\/p>\n
If Reed isn\u2019t able to go or is limited, and if quarterback Jordan Love doesn\u2019t have his usual chemistry with Wicks because of the time each of them missed in camp, the Packers offense has other weapons in the passing game, particularly tight end Tucker Kraft and fourth-year receiver Romeo Doubs.<\/p>\n
But while Love emphasized that the Packers don\u2019t need Golden to carry the passing game alone, he clearly expects Golden to be a factor.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe doesn\u2019t have to carry the team at all,\u201d Love said. \u201cWhat he\u2019s done [throughout training camp] is just make plays when the ball comes his way. Especially at that receiver position, that\u2019s all you can do.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s done a great job throughout camp, and I\u2019m excited to see him once we get started on Sunday. But I don\u2019t think there\u2019s ever too much pressure on him to go out there and put the team on his back. Just go out there and play your game.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve got other guys. It\u2019s not all on MG.\u201d<\/p>\n
As for the number switch, Golden said he wanted a single digit. He settled for No. 22 after the draft because No. 2 was already occupied by backup quarterback Malik Willis, but once he learned No. 0 was open and he could switch without any penalty or cost.<\/p>\n
\u201cI talked to my family, and [the Packers] told me the options that I had and they said 0\u2019s never been worn here,\u201d So, obviously, it\u2019s going to be a first-time in franchise history. For me, I just want to make a name for myself in that number.\u201d<\/p>\n