Packers passing game gets needed boost with Robert Tonyan off injury report

With uncertainty surrounding the Green Bay Packers offense heading into the week one matchup with the Minnesota Vikings, this group did get a big boost on Friday, with Robert Tonyan being removed from the injury report.

The Packers passing game gets a much-needed boost with the return of Robert Tonyan

Tonyan suffered an ACL injury last season and began training camp on the PUP list. He was removed from PUP a few weeks ago, and shortly after, re-joined team activities in practice.

Tonyan had a monster season in 2020, recording 11 touchdowns and catching 88% of his 59 targets over the course of that season. Unfortunately, last year, from a production standpoint anyways, started off a bit more slowly for Tonyan. But just before his injury, he was beginning to make those splash plays, and, in part, his production took a dip because he was asked to block more often for an offensive line unit that was dealing with injuries, specifically at the tackle position.

The Green Bay Packers’ 2021 offense wasn’t nearly as effective as it had been during the 2020 season. As always, there are a number of factors that played into this, but one of the big ones with Tonyan‘s absence from the offense.

The tight end plays an important role in the Matt LaFleur system, and outside of Tonyan, this unit doesn’t have another player on the roster who can affect the passing game quite like he can.

Tonyan’s skill-set allows him to create matchup problems that not only benefit him but also other members of this Packers offense with the attention that he draws. He’s also proven to be very effective over the middle of the field, down the seam, as well as in the red zone. But perhaps most importantly, he has the trust of quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

With Allen Lazard doubtful for Sunday’s game, Randall Cobb is the only receiver who has significant experience playing with Rodgers.

Romeo Dobbs often flashed this summer, but he still had drops, and there were times when he ran the wrong route. Christian Watson missed a good portion of training camp on the PUP list and is still working on getting up to speed. Sammy Watkins has veteran experience in the NFL and should get acclimated quicker than the rookies; however, this will still be his first regular season game playing with Rodgers.

We all know how important having that trust is to Rodgers, and when the Packers offense finds itself in a pinch or in a high leverage situation — specifically on third downs and in the red zone — Tonyan is someone who Rodgers can lean on.

Following Friday’s practice, Aaron Jones told reporters that Tonyan is someone “who people are sleeping on.” Jones also added that Tonyan has incredible chemistry with Rodgers and could easily lead the team in receptions this season.

Tonyan, along with Jones and AJ Dillon, is going to play major roles in the passing game, not only Sunday but throughout the entire season. At the end of the day, the Packers need to get the ball into the hands of their playmakers, and Tonyan is certainly one of them.