Green Bay Packers wide receiver Matthew Golden is trending toward playing in Thursday night’s matchup against the Carolina Panthers despite being listed as questionable with shoulder and foot injuries. Head coach Matt LaFleur expressed hope for his availability after the second-year receiver managed a limited practice session Wednesday at Lambeau Field.
Will Matthew Golden Play Against the Carolina Panthers?
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Matthew Golden is trending toward playing in Thursday night’s game against the Carolina Panthers at Lambeau Field. According to Heavy.com, there is a strong chance the second-year receiver takes the field despite managing shoulder and foot injuries.
Update:Packers’ WR Matthew Golden (shoulder/foot) is expected to play in Week 8 vs. the Panthers, per league source. pic.twitter.com/reHLUse7a4
Golden’s status drew concern earlier in the week when he missed practices on Monday and Tuesday. However, after returning to log a limited practice session Wednesday, the Packers listed him as questionable on the final injury report. Packers head coach Matt LaFleur addressed Golden’s recovery during a news conference.
I sure hope so. We’re still working through it.
Matt LaFleur, Green Bay Packers Head Coach
The short turnaround of Thursday Night Football limited Green Bay to walkthroughs rather than full-contact practices. Even so, the team did not elevate a wide receiver from the practice squad for the game, indicating confidence in Golden’s availability barring a late setback.
The second-year wide receiver missed two practices this week ahead of Thursday Night Football. The short week is doing no favors for Golden’s availability heading into Week 8.
How the Packers Plan to Manage Receiver Depth and Offensive Line Shuffles
If Golden suits up, he provides a vital target for quarterback Jordan Love in an offense already missing key personnel. Jayden Reed remains out for the season with a neck injury suffered in Week 2, leaving the team’s depth tested. If Golden cannot play or needs a reduced workload, Savion Williams, Bo Melton, and J. Michael Sturdivant stand ready to fill the void alongside Christian Watson.
Green Bay faces simultaneous adjustments along the offensive line. Starting right guard Travis Glover has a knee injury and starting center Sean Rhyan is out with a high ankle sprain, joining Jacob Monk on the sidelines. During the game against the Detroit Lions, John Williams stepped in at center after both Rhyan and Monk went down.
Both have been ruled out, which leaves the Packers with nine healthy offensive linemen.
Obviously when Sean and Monk both went down after the first drive, I was extremely concerned with just us being able to operate, especially on the road, and against that defensive line. What he did, it wasn’t perfect, but he did a great job. So I can’t say enough about how he stepped up for the team.
Adam Stenavich, Green Bay Packers Coach
What the Matchup Against Carolina Means for Green Bay’s Offense
Green Bay’s rushing attack has struggled significantly, averaging 59.9 yards per contest. The return of Josh Jacobs could offer a much-needed spark to the ground game.
Through seven games in 2026, Golden has emerged as a focal point of the passing offense, hauling in 36 catches for 540 yards and three touchdowns. Facing a Panthers secondary missing injured cornerbacks, Golden figures to remain a primary weapon for Love as the Packers look to bounce back.
The Panthers won’t have guard Damien Lewis and others after they suffered injuries.
Related reading
