The Green Bay Packers will travel to Arizona to take on the undefeated Cardinals in what has the potential to be a marquee matchup on Thursday Night Football. The Packers will, unfortunately, be short-handed, as the organization is currently experiencing a mini-breakout of COVID-19. Star wide receiver Davante Adams has landed on the team's Reserve/Covid List and is now incredibly unlikely to take the field for Thursday night's heavyweight bout.
If Adams is unable to produce two negative tests before the contest, head coach Matt LaFleur and staff will have to get extremely creative with their offensive gameplan. Adams is averaging just north of 10 targets per game, and his absence would free up a ton of opportunities for other playmakers on the roster. Here are three offensive players that could have a big game for the Packers.
ALLEN LAZARD, WR
A former undrafted free agent out of Iowa State, Lazard has been heating up as of late and should serve as the de facto No. 1 receiver should Adams be deemed incapable of suiting up. The 6-foot-5 Lazard is a terrific weapon on the outside and has now found the end zone in back-to-back contests.
Lazard was especially impressive in Green Bay’s latest victory, a Week 7 triumph over the Washington Football Team. Lazard totaled five receptions for 60 yards and a second-quarter score. Lazard has accumulated 11 targets over the past two contests and should continue to see plenty of action on Thursday.
AARON JONES, RB
The easiest answer is often the correct one. The likeliest candidate to benefit from Adams’ absence would be Jones, Green Bay’s most dangerous playmaker with the ball in his hands. The most straightforward solution to replacing Adams' productivity should include a heavy dosage of Jones. This thought won't be lost on LaFleur and staff as they begin to implement an offensive strategy sans their top pass-catcher.
Green Bay's dual-threat running back could be on the receiving end of an increase in targets. Jones has been the beneficiary of five-plus targets on three separate occasions this campaign and should receive every opportunity to record a new season-high in that department.
RANDALL COBB, WR
One of Aaron Rodgers’ oldest confidants, the 31-year-old Cobb was re-acquired by the Packers this summer following a personal request by Rodgers himself. Their long-lasting connection may be on full display as Cobb is set to receive a significant bump in playing time.
The Maryville, Tennessee native was quietly more involved in Green Bay's Week 7 victory over Washington, securing three-of-four targets for 22 receiving yards. Cobb is a possession receiver that has moved the chains on a consistent basis throughout his illustrious career. Nearly 60% of Cobb's 577 career catches have resulted in a first down. Rodgers is going to crave that sort of production on Thursday.
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