Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur said the need to bring up running back Patrick Taylor from the practice squad led to the team’s decision to release veteran wide receiver Sammy Watkins before Monday night’s matchup with the Los Angeles Rams.
LaFleur didn’t appear particularly happy about the decision but understood the mechanics behind the roster move.
“That’s one of the things that’s not cool about this business,” LaFleur said following the Packers’ 24-12 win. “You have to make some tough decisions. He’s a guy that (everyone in Green Bay) has a lot of respect for and love for Sammy Watkins. Certainly wasn’t fired up about the timing of it, but it was one of those deals where, you know, we had to get Patrick Taylor up as the third back, and he was out of elevations. It was a tough decision.”
In need of Taylor as the third option behind Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon and without a gameday elevation available, the Packers had to find a roster spot to clear, and wide receiver made the most sense given the improving health situation.
Watkins was the odd man out as rookie Romeo Doubs returned from an ankle injury after missing four games. With Doubs back, the Packers had their top four receivers available and dwindling opportunities available for Watkins, who played only 11 snaps over the last two games and hadn’t made a catch since Week 10.
The decision meant Watkins was out in Green Bay after 13 catches in nine games.
“I can’t thank him enough for the type of person he is, the type of energy he brought to this team,” LaFleur said.
Watkins, who was attempting to revive his career in Green Bay in 2022, caught six passes for 111 yards during the first two weeks but suffered a hamstring injury that kept him out four games and set him back significantly.
He wasn’t the same player after returning. Between Weeks 7-13, Watkins caught seven passes on 15 targets for 95 yards.
“I think it started off pretty good for him to start the season, and then he had the injury and it fell off from there,” LaFleur said. “It’s tough. I don’t like it. But it is what it is.”
Overall, Watkins played 279 snaps from scrimmage for the Packers.
Aaron Rodgers said he believes the Packers can play winning football with Doubs, Christian Watson, Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb as the top four receivers. The quartet combined to catch 13 passes for 140 yards from Rodgers during Monday night’s win over the Rams.
The Packers ended up needing Taylor, who was active and rushed four times for 15 yards over nine snaps. He also played five snaps on special teams. Dillon left the game to be evaluated for a concussion, and Jones was dealing with injury throughout the game, leaving Taylor to handle a few carries in the fourth quarter.
