Less than a week after virulently criticizing his group of young pass receivers, Aaron Rodgers is already seeing progress among his teammates. The veteran quarterback says he is already “encouraged” by the game of the latter.
There were mistakes again, as rookie Romeo Doubs dropped two more assists in Friday’s preseason game against the New Orleans Saints. Doubs was, however, able to make a few big plays despite his mistakes. The fourth-round pick caught a touchdown pass for the second straight preseason game.
The Packers also saw an improvement in seventh-round pick Samori Toure’s side and a quick start in second-round pick Christian Watson after missing the first half of training camp after knee surgery.
“I feel like the offense — especially over the last week or so — has come closer to where I think we should be,” Rodgers said Monday.
None of the rookie receivers were on the field at the same time as Rodgers; he did not play in either of the team’s first two preseason games. Team head coach Matt LaFleur, however, said he would consider using Rodgers in the Packers’ final preseason game Thursday in Kansas City against the Chiefs. Rodgers hasn’t played a single preseason game since 2018.
The new receivers only had two practices with Rodgers before training camp began. Both practices took place in the mandatory minicamp in June; Rodgers did not take part in the others during the offseason.
The Packers are to replace Davante Adams, who was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders last March.
