Green Bay Packers rookie wide receiver Matthew Golden could have had the breakout game everyone was waiting for during Week 2’s edition of Thursday Night Football.
Against the Washington Commanders, the former Texas Longhorns star wideout came up with zero catches on two targets, but both were nearly huge touchdowns had he completed them. The first one was broken in the end zone by Commanders defensive back Trey Amos on a pass from quarterback Jordan Love, who seemed to have underthrown it.
Golden had another shot at a potential huge play, as he left two Washington defenders in the dust, only for Love to overthrow a pass.
So, instead of having two potential highlight touchdowns, Golden was left to settle for an unproductive night, albeit in a 27-13 victory over Jayden Daniels and company. For what it’s worth, he had two rushing attempts for 15 yards.
Meanwhile, Green Bay tight endTucker Kraft had a night to remember, as he posted a career-high 124 receiving yards and a touchdown on six receptions and seven targets.
Matthew Golden’s time will come
Green Bay wide receiver Matthew Golden (0) is tackled by Washington cornerback Jonathan Jones (31) on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers won the game, 27-18.
Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
But based on his missed opportunities in the Commanders game, it should just be a matter of time before the highlight big plays start coming for the speedy Golden. He’s already shown he can beat defenders with his speed and take advantage of open spaces with it.
ViaThe 33rd Team:
Matthew Golden had 81 unrealized air yards on two targets in Week 2 — one overthrow and one broken up underthrow on plays that could’ve been TDs.
It didn’t work out on Thursday, but the breakout is coming for the first-round rookie.
And with Jayden Reed going down with a shoulder injury that will keep him sidelined for multiple weeks, Golden should continue to get looks from Love.
Golden will look to rebound in Week 3, when Green Bay makes its first trip outside of Wisconsin this season against the Cleveland Browns.
Matthew Golden (0) against the Washington cornerback Mike Sainristil (0) on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers defeated the Commanders 27-18.
Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
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