(AP) — GREEN BAY, WI When Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks started their rookie seasons in the NFL, their
collegiate careers had ended with somewhat unsatisfactory results. Bo Melton has labored on practice squads for the
majority of the previous two years.
While assisting the Green Bay Packers in making an unexpected postseason run, the three of them have emerged as
some of Jordan Love’s most dependable playmakers. The NFC East champion Dallas Cowboys (12-5) will host the
Packers (9-8) on Sunday.
Love remarked, “They’re just trying to go out there and make the most of that and they’re taking advantage of the
opportunity they got.” “And they’re performing admirably in it.”
The fact that Love is mostly pitching to rookies and second-year pros and that some of his best alternatives have
been in and out of the lineup due to injury is among the most amazing aspects of his first season as a starter.
As a rookie last season, Christian Watson, for example, caught three touchdown passes in an overtime win over the
Cowboys; yet, he missed Green Bay’s next five games due to a hamstring injury. Romeo Doubs did play in all 17
regular-season games for the Packers, but on Sunday during their 17-9 victory against Chicago, he was hospitalized
due to a chest injury. Both had a limited amount of practice on Wednesday.
The Packers will be depending on Reed, Wicks, and Melton to help fill in if they are unable to go. So far, they’ve
performed fairly well in that area.
These young receivers credit Love for helping the transition by getting to know each of them. They noted how Love
invited offensive players over to his house for dinners and team-bonding sessions on a couple of Mondays this season.
“Jordan just has a knack for every receiver,” Melton said. “Our job is to get open as receivers, tight ends, running
backs, for all to get open, and Jordan puts the ball right where it’s supposed to be every single time.”
But the receivers sure have done their part as well.
The previous year’s draft, Green Bay took Wicks from Virginia in the fifth round and Reed from Michigan State in
the second round. At their respective schools, each of them had 1,000-yard seasons in 2021, but they didn’t do as
well the next year.
However, their new teammates saw these newcomers’ potential right away.
When their number was called, Watson stated, “I think we knew pretty early on that they were going to be able to make plays.”
Indeed, both have had outstanding rookie seasons.
At the end of the game, Reed led the Packers in all three categories with 64 receptions for 793 yards and 10
touchdowns in all (8 receiving, 2 rushing). Wicks has caught 39 catches for 581 yards and scored twice in the Bears game.
