The Green Bay Packers want everybody to think they’re a model franchise. No organization does things the right way better than they do—first class all the way. However, history shows that they aren’t above drama. It finds them just as often as it finds other teams. Ask Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers, just for two prominent examples. Even as the Packers work their way through a season where many picked them to win the Super Bowl, it appears they’ve run into a serious problem.
One of their best players is not happy. According to Bill Huber of Sports Illustrated, wide receiver Romeo Doubs is upset with his usage in the Packers offense. As a consequence, he has begun skipping practices, which Green Bay has tried to keep quiet.
Green Bay Packers receiver Romeo Doubs skipped practice on Thursday and wasn’t present on Friday because he is upset with his opportunities in the passing game, sources told Packers On SI.
Because he didn’t practice the last two days, he is officially doubtful for Sunday’s game at the Los Angeles Rams.
“It’s still day-to-day,” coach Matt LaFleur said after practice.
Doubs practiced on Wednesday but didn’t show up on Thursday. Worried about Doubs’s well-being, team representatives found him at his home.
After that practice, LaFleur said “I would hope so” when asked if Doubs would practice on Friday. He was not on the field, though, for a second consecutive day.
This is not something anybody expected. Green Bay has one of the best offenses in the league. One would think everybody would be happy about that. Doubs’ stance pokes holes in that assumption.
What is unusual about Doubs’ situation is it’s not like he hasn’t been involved. His 20 targets this year are only two off the team lead of 22 held by Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks. Last year, Doubs led the team with 96 targets while Reed by 94. It’s not like the receiver dominated the target share at any point. It would be one thing if they weren’t throwing it his way much at all every week. Based on the numbers, he’s been a focal point most of the season. This sudden bout of unhappiness is odd.
This is a tough situation from the Green Bay Packers’ perspective. If they don’t get Doubs the ball more often, they risk alienating one of their best offensive weapons. If they do, it comes at the cost of getting Reed and Wicks more involved, thus losing some of the balance in their passing game. No doubt team management will try to talk some sense into the frustrated receiver, getting him to understand reason. However, with his contract situation coming up, that is a tall order.
