Packers need 'shaky' rookie to step up after bye week 1 Sep 28, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Matthew Golden (0) runs against Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ryan Flournoy (19) in the first quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Packers need ‘shaky’ rookie to step up after bye week

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Matt Lombardo | Last updated Oct 3, 2025 3:38 PM ET

There has been a lot to like about the first four games of Packers first-round pick Matthew Golden’s career.

The former University of Texas standout seems to be climbing not just the depth chart at wide receiver, but also gaining quarterback Jordan Love’s confidence as the season progresses.

Golden has already caught 11 passes for 126 yards, and is averaging 11.5 yards per reception, but has yet to reach the end zone.

Packers need more from Matthew Golden

While the Packers boast a crowded receiving corps, that is about to get even deeper once Christian Watson returns from an injury, Golden is going to need to be much more consistent in his role on special teams.

According to Packers on SI analyst Bill Huber, it is Golden’s growing pains as a punt returner that are holding him and the Packers back, so far.

“As it appears the Packers are making it a point to get him the ball,” Huber writes of Golden. “He’s got to maximize those opportunities. He’s been good so far but “good” isn’t good enough for a first-round pick. He’s got to continue his promising trajectory. Meanwhile, he’s been shaky in his new role as a punt returner and must improve in that phase to prevent another game-turning miscue by the special teams.”

In a season where special teams are making a major impact, including the Browns blocking the Packers’ game-winning field goal attempt late in a Week 3 loss, Green Bay is still in search of its first big impact play in that phase of the game.

Perhaps, with more experience in the return game, Golden will be the one to provide that spark.

Packers need 'shaky' rookie to step up after bye week 2 Sep 28, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Matthew Golden (0) reacts in the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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