All eyes might be on the rookies and newcomer Sammy Watkins at wide receiver, but Juwann Winfree used the first day of training camp to offer up a reminder of why he’s still very much in the running to earn a role for Aaron Rodgers in the Green Bay Packers offense this season.
Winfree, who is now in his third season with the Packers, created one of the top plays of Wednesday’s practice when he made a terrific catch of a deep ball from Rodgers behind the coverage of starting cornerback Eric Stokes.
The play of No. 88 certainly caught the attention of the four-time MVP.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if 88 is over there and going, hey, I’m a pretty damn good football player, don’t forget about me,” Rodgers said Wednesday. “Because when he shows up and he’s healthy, he makes a lot of plays, he has the last couple of camps and dealt with an injury last year in camp. He definitely is going to put himself in a position to have an impact. It’s just a matter of him staying healthy and making plays.”
Winfree was a standout of last offseason before he injured his shoulder early in training camp, derailing his attempt to make the 53-man roster and contribute to start the regular season. He was eventually promoted and played in seven games, catching eight passes for 58 yards on 12 targets. He also fumbled twice.
But the consistency of big plays – especially with the first-team offense – has meant earning the trust of Rodgers, which is worth its weight in gold for Packers receivers.
“When he’s in the first huddle and you see me throw a deep ball to him, it’s great for him,” Rodgers said. “It’s the same message to you guys that it’s sending to him, that I trust you. As you guys know, that’s an important step that has to be taken in the process from quarterback to receiver.”
Winfree said he had to first learn how to practice like a professional and learn the offense fully before his full confidence as a player could finally show. Now, he’s playing fast and creating the consistency that Rodgers demands.
What does the trust from Rodgers mean? More internal confidence?
“Hell yeah. That’s a Hall of Famer throwing me the ball. Having him have that belief in me is just going to bring my game up that much higher,” Winfree said.
Winfree has often been the odd man out in 53-man roster predictions entering training camp, largely due to the rookie additions and the likelihood of Watkins, Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb cementing starting roles. Winfree might make himself tough to cut, or even force the Packers to keep more than five or six receivers on the opening roster.
“I’m really proud of Juwann,” Rodgers said. “He’s always been a professional for us. He’s had some bad luck with injuries. Hopefully, he can stay healthy and have a great camp.”
Without Davante Adams and Marquez Valdes-Scantling in Green Bay, Rodgers is going to need receivers he can trust, especially early on as Watkins and the rookies learn the ropes. Winfree has the trust. And if he keeps making plays and staying available, he should have a terrific opportunity to play a role for the 2022 Packers.