Packers reveal optimal strategy for replacing Jayden Reed in slot receiver role

While it sounds like the Packers plan to share the love, he also conceded that the gameplan might vary week to week. “Every game’s a little bit different flavor in regards to what we see on tape and what we put on tape and how you want to combat some of those things.”

Last week in Cleveland, rookie Matthew Golden stepped up as Jordan Love’s most productive target, bringing in four catches for 52 yards. He has the quickness to operate in the slot, but the Packers also want to use him as a deep threat, one of Love’s only such weapons with Christian Watson still on injured reserve (but nearing a return to practice).

Another option there is Dontayvion Wicks, who worked mostly as a shorter-yardage receiver last season. The most obvious candidate to step forward in Reed’s absence in fourth-year man Romeo Doubs. While he can effectively function at all three levels of the field, the Packers have used him more as an outside receiver than in the slot. Based on usage, Wicks might be better suited to fill in on Reed’s typical routes.

The good news for LaFleur is that his remaining receivers are all fairly versatile, allowing a by-committee approach to compensate for the loss of Reed.