Trio of rookie playmakers starting to make big impact for Packers
Rookies Luke Musgrave, Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks have come alive for the Green Bay Packers over the last three weeks.
In games against the Minnesota Vikings, Los Angeles Rams and Pittsburgh Steelers between Weeks 8-10, Musgrave, Reed and Wicks combined for 30 catches, 448 yards and two touchdowns. Eight of the 30 catches produced 20 or more yards, and all three rookies had a catch of at least 20 yards on Sunday against the Steelers.
The trio caught 10 passes for 199 yards and a score in the 23-19 loss in Pittsburgh. Reed had a 35-yard touchdown in the second quarter and 46-yard catch on the final drive, Musgrave had catches of 28 and 36 yards, and Wicks delivered a critical 32-yard catch on third-and-long and a 23-yarder in the first half.
While Christian Watson struggles to replicate his incredible end to the 2022 season, Musgrave, Reed and Wicks have become reliable go-to targets for Jordan Love.
Reed also has a 21-yard run over the last three weeks.
The Packers’ postseason hopes are fading fast but the development and production of the young playmakers around Love on offense is an encouraging sign of progress.
Between Weeks 8-10…
— Reed has caught 12 of 14 targets and is averaging 13.3 yards per target. His 13 touches gained 207 total yards.
— Musgrave has four catches of 20 or more yards in the last two weeks.
— Wicks has caught nine of 12 targets and is averaging 10.7 yards per target. All nine of his catches gained a first down, including four on third down.
Of course, it hasn’t been perfect. Reed lost out on a contested catch against the Vikings that turned into an interception. Musgrave has dropped multiple passes. Wicks lost the Packers’ first fumble of the season against the Rams. But mistakes from rookies are going to happen. The Packers can live with learning moments that coincide with bright flashes of production and realized potential.
