Matthew Golden
22-Year-Old
Questionable
Injury Ankle
Est. Return 9/11/2025
2025 Receiving Stats
REC
2
YDS
16
TD
0
AVG
8.0
TAR
2
Rest-of-Season Projections
2025 Fantasy Outlook
Golden was one of the stars of the pre-draft process, eventually landing in Green Bay with the 23rd overall pick after running a 4.29 40 at 5-foot-11, 191. That makes him small by general NFL wideout standards but notably heavier than recent undersized burners like Xavier Worthy and Hollywood Brown. It was Worthy who Golden replaced at Texas, transferring for 2024 after catching 76 passes for 988 yards and 13 TDs in two seasons at Houston. The one year in Austin yielded a 58-987-9 receiving line in 16 games, highlighted by a 162-yard performance against Georgia in the SEC Championship Game and a 149-yard showing against ASU in the CFP Quarterfinals. It shouldn't take long for Golden to get on the field in Green Bay, but it’s unclear whether he’ll be a frequent target or mainly used to stretch defenses with clear-out routes. The team's other deep threat, Christian Watson, likely will miss a chunk of the season after suffering an ACL tear in January, leaving Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks as the main obstacles to immediate playing time for Golden. Read Past Outlooks
RANKS
Signed a four-year contract with the Packers in May of 2025.
Limited by ankle issue
Golden was listed as limited on Monday's practice estimate due to an ankle injury, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
The Packers' Week 1 injury report also featured three wide receivers, but Week 2's initial version has Golden swapping in for fellow rookie Savion Williams, while Jayden Reed (foot, DNP) and Dontayvion Wicks (calf, LP) remain listed. On a positive note, Golden would have had a cap on his reps if the team had practiced Monday, and he'll have a pair of opportunities to get some more on-field work ahead of Thursday's game against the Commanders. Golden started in his pro debut Sunday versus the Lions and recorded two catches (on two targets) for 16 yards and one punt return for 11 yards while playing 48 percent (23 of 48) of Green Bay's offensive snaps.
The Packers' Week 1 injury report also featured three wide receivers, but Week 2's initial version has Golden swapping in for fellow rookie Savion Williams, while Jayden Reed (foot, DNP) and Dontayvion Wicks (calf, LP) remain listed. On a positive note, Golden would have had a cap on his reps if the team had practiced Monday, and he'll have a pair of opportunities to get some more on-field work ahead of Thursday's game against the Commanders. Golden started in his pro debut Sunday versus the Lions and recorded two catches (on two targets) for 16 yards and one punt return for 11 yards while playing 48 percent (23 of 48) of Green Bay's offensive snaps.
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Fantasy/Red Zone Stats
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2025 NFL Game Log
2025
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Snap Distribution / Depth Chart
Snap Counts
Snap %
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#2 WR
PackersReceiving Alignment Breakdown
See where Matthew Golden lined up on the field and how he performed at each spot.
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This Week's Opposing Pass Defense
How does the Commanders pass defense compare to other NFL teams this season?
The bars represents the team's percentile rank (based on QB Rating Against). The longer the bar, the better their pass defense is. The team and position group ratings only include players that are currently on the roster and not on injured reserve. The list of players in the table only includes defenders with at least 3 attempts against them.
vs Commanders
Thursday, Sep 11th at 8:15PM
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2025 Matthew Golden Split Stats
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Measurables Review
View College Player Page
How do Matthew Golden's measurables compare to other wide receivers?
This section compares his draft workout metrics with players at the same position. The bar represents the player's percentile rank. For example, if the bar is halfway across, then the player falls into the 50th percentile for that metric and it would be considered average.
Height
5' 11"Weight
191 lbs40-Yard Dash
4.29 secHand Length
9.50 inArm Length
30.62 in
More Fantasy News
Just two catches in debut
Golden caught both of his targets for 16 yards in Sunday's 27-13 win over the Lions.
ANALYSIS
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Makes long catch
Golden made one catch on two targets for 39 yards in Saturday's 20-7 preseason win over the Seahawks.
ANALYSIS
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Doesn't play Saturday
Golden didn't play in Saturday's 23-19 preseason win over the Colts.
ANALYSIS
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Suiting up Saturday
Golden will play in Saturday's preseason game against the Colts, Mike Spofford of the Packers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
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One catch in pro debut
Golden brought in his only target for seven yards during the Packers' 30-10 preseason loss to the Jets on Saturday night.
ANALYSIS
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Latest Fantasy Rumors
Likely to play big role immediately
Golden is expected to begin his career in a starting role, per Eric Edholm of NFL.com.
ANALYSIS
Golden has lived up to the hype as the Packers' first first-round draft pick at wide receiver since 2002. The rookie has impressed with his hands and ability after the catch in camp, the latter of which is aided by Golden's elite 4.29 speed. Golden is set to be a key contributor out of the gate, especially with the Packers battling numerous injuries to other wide receivers. Christian Watson will likely begin the regular season on the PUP list, while Jayden Reed's Week 1 availability is in doubt as he recovers from a foot injury.
Golden has lived up to the hype as the Packers' first first-round draft pick at wide receiver since 2002. The rookie has impressed with his hands and ability after the catch in camp, the latter of which is aided by Golden's elite 4.29 speed. Golden is set to be a key contributor out of the gate, especially with the Packers battling numerous injuries to other wide receivers. Christian Watson will likely begin the regular season on the PUP list, while Jayden Reed's Week 1 availability is in doubt as he recovers from a foot injury.