No matter how hard the coaching staff tried to keep the focus and maintain what's more or less important in different perspectives for the team, it's natural that the roster will feel and go through the implications of what happened with wide receiver Romeo Doubs last week.
Unexpectedly, Doubs skipped two practices and was suspended for the Los Angeles Rams game because he was unhappy with his role within the offense.
And after head coach Matt LaFleur talked about the topic , saying that the team always comes ahead, fellow wide receiver Christian Watson also brought an interesting perspective about the issue.
"I mean, I think that we all respect the way that Rome goes about his business in the building", Watson said in the locker room after Wednesday’s practice . "I think we have a tight knit family. Everyone is gonna have their own opinions on the situation, but at the end of the day, I think two days isn't gonna ruin three years of work and commitment he put in for us."
Even though the distraction could affect the team in some ways, Watson expects that everything will be fine fairly soon considering Doubs' track record of work and dedication.
"So it will definitely be a little weird right away, just because it was a pretty significant situation for him", Watson added. "I think it'll blow by pretty quick."
Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs are living similar situations. They were both drafted in 2022, which means they are playing the third year of their rookie deals. Both Watson and Doubs will be eligible for a contract extension next offseason, so their individual performances during the 2024 season are especially significant for their futures. With Jayden Reed's ascension as the WR1, it's unclear if Green Bay will be willing to negotiate an early extension with Watson and Doubs or if (more likely at this point) it will allow them to play under the fourth and last year of the rookie deals.
But that's a topic for the offseason. Meanwhile, they have to prove their value on and off the field to the franchise.
Christian Watson hasn't had huge numbers in terms of targets and receptions this year. He was targeted only eight times, against 20 from Doubs. However, Watson has been an important piece of the offense dedicating himself to run blocking and other hidden tasks.
The former second-round pick is recovering from a medial ankle sprain and missed the Rams game, but he returned to practice on Wednesday and has a shot at playing against the Arizona Cardinals next Sunday.
Related: Packers HC Matt LaFleur had the perfect message to Romeo Doubs after suspension
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