Packers' Biggest Benefit of Playing Matthew Golden Revealed 2 Aug 16, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Matthew Golden (22) catches a pass during warmups prior to the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

Packers should be encouraged by Matthew Golden’s quiet debut

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Matt Lombardo | Last updated Sep 9, 2025 11:58 AM ET

Packers first-round rookie wide receiver Matthew Golden didn’t exactly fill up the score sheet in his NFL debut against the Detroit Lions, but did just about everything Green Bay asked him to do.

While quarterback Jordan Love’s strong chemistry with veteran targets Jayden Reed and Tucker Kraft shined through during Sunday’s 27-13 victory over the Detroit Lions, there was enough to be encouraged about from Golden for the Packers to feel good about where the former Texas standout is in his development.

Packers rookie Matthew Golden earns solid PFF Week 1 grade

Despite only being targeted twice, Golden emerged from Week 1 as the fourth-highest graded rookie receiver across the league, by Pro Football Focus.

“Golden was targeted twice in his NFL debut and reeled in both passes for a total of 16 yards,” Dalton Wasserman writes for PFF. “One of those catches resulted in a first down as he found space over the middle against zone coverage. Golden ran the second-most routes among Green Bay wide receivers this week, but he is caught in something of a meritocracy with regard to his individual production.”

The rookie wideout finished with a 61.8 overall grade from PFF, and it has to be encouraging for Green Bay that Golden managed to find ways to get open, especially in a big spot to move the chains.

Given that Reed is continuing to recover from a foot injury, and that it is a short week before Thursday night’s tilt against Washington, Golden could see a more significant opportunity and role in Week 2, with the opportunity to further reinforce he’s a capable target in Love’s hierarchy.

Packers should be encouraged by Matthew Golden's quiet debut 2 Green Bay Packers wide receiver Matthew Golden (22) against the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers defeated the Seahawks 20-7.Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

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

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