The Green Bay Packers’ Week 9 loss to the Carolina Panthers was costly in more ways than one. Not only did the 16-13 defeat affect their NFC standing, but it also left the roster battered, particularly on offense. The most notable injuries occurred to tight end Tucker Kraft, who suffered a season-ending torn ACL, and rookie wide receiver Matthew Golden, who exited the game in the third quarter with a shoulder injury.
Kraft’s loss will be a significant challenge for quarterback Jordan Love and the Packers’ passing attack. At the same time, Golden’s absence could further strain a receiving corps that has already battled inconsistency and injuries throughout the 2025 season. However, early reports suggest the team may have dodged a bullet with Golden’s injury.
Matthew Golden Injury Update
Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur offered a relatively optimistic outlook on Monday, telling reporters that Golden’s shoulder injury isn’t expected to be a long-term thing. According to LaFleur, the rookie WR is considered day-to-day rather than week-to-week, suggesting that he avoided severe structural damage.
Golden’s availability for Green Bay’s Week 10 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles will depend on his participation in practice this week.
The Packers will return to the field on Thursday for practice. Those sessions should offer a clearer picture of whether the first-round pick will be ready for the NFC showdown against the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday.
Before leaving the game against the Carolina Panthers, Golden played 24 offensive snaps and caught two of three targets for nine yards. Though it has been an inconstant rookie campaign for the former Texas player, through eight games, Golden has recorded 23 receptions for 262 yards, averaging 11.4 yards per catch, but has yet to find the end zone. He has also contributed 45 yards on eight rushing attempts.
With Tucker Kraft out and fellow receiver Jayden Reed (collarbone/foot), the opportunity for Golden is there. His PFSN Impact Score is 82.1 with a B- grade. He ranks 16th among all WRs this season. If healthy, he has a prime chance to elevate both his numbers and impact in the coming week.
Making a case for Christian Watson:
– In 2 games since returning, 6 catches for 143 yards (20.3 PPR points)
– Increased target share with Tucker Kraft & Matthew Golden both hurt
– Always had a high celling, health was only concern
– MNF shootout again PHI
pic.twitter.com/gAQH0oOwr5— Fantasy Spew (@fantasy_spew) November 5, 2025
Meanwhile, WR Christian Watson made his return for the team’s Week 8 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in late October after he had been recovering from a torn ACL suffered in the final game of the 2024 season.
The Packers also signed free-agent wide receiver Michael Woods II to the practice squad, which is likely a precaution but could serve as insurance should Golden’s recovery take longer than expected.
