Nothing is more important in a preseason game than the chance for young players to get significant snaps. Well, Saturday will be a missed opportunity for Green Bay Packers third-round rookie Savion Williams. According to Packers Radio Network play by play announcer Wayne Larrivee, the wide receiver won't face the New York Jets in the Packers preseason opener.
It has been a tough sequence for the rookie. Williams had a labrum surgery after his final college season, which limited him in the offseason program—he spent most of it with a non-contact jersey. Throughout training camp, he had some practices, but also missed time with a concussion and another undisclosed injury. So far, it hasn't been reported the exact reason why Williams won't be available.
"Just wrapping his mind around the offense," quarterback Jordan Love mentioned when asked what the next step was for Williams. "I think not having OTAs for him, it sucks because you're missing a lot of valuable reps, so you've kinda got to get thrown into the mix in training camp."
Savion Williams had college snaps as a wide receiver, running back, and wildcat quarterback. Therefore, he's not exactly a developed receiver in terms of release, footwork, and other details of the position. The missed time won't help him to make an immediate impact—but at least the Packers see him more as a developmental piece anyway.
Wide receiver options
Besides Savion Williams, veteran Christian Watson won't play on Saturday—nor in the rest of the preseason—due to a knee injury. Dontayvion Wicks will not be ready, as he's missed practice time lately with a calf issue, and Jayden Reed is also out.
The Packers will have only eight available wide receivers to play against the Jets: first-round rookie Matthew Golden, Romeo Doubs, Mecole Hardman, Malik Heath, Cornelius Johnson, Julian Hicks, plus undrafted rookies Will Sheppard and Isaiah Neyor.
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