4 Options to Replace Amari Rodgers as Packers Punt Returner

Second-year wide receiver Amari Rodgers has already been removed from the Green Bay Packers kick return team, and now it would appear that his punt return duties are in jeopardy as well.

During Sunday’s loss to Washington, Rodgers put the ball on the ground on a punt return attempt that was recovered by the Commanders, who then later kicked a field goal. That was the third time this season that Rodgers had put the ball on the ground and the fifth fumble of his short career.

Between that, the questionable decision-making, and the lack of playmaking ability, a change at the punt return position has been long overdue, and it sounds like the Packers are finally ready to make a switch.

"“That’s something (the punt return position) we’re going to evaluate, for sure, we are evaluating, we’re talking about in terms of what we want to do in that regard,” coach Matt LaFleur said Monday via Packers Wire."

Much like change along the offensive line felt inevitable following Royce Newman’s performance against the New York Jets, that is how things feel right now with Rodgers.

So if the Green Bay Packers do make the switch, here is a look at four possible candidates to assume the role.

Keisean Nixon

Keisean Nixon took over the kick return responsibilities from Rodgers a few weeks ago and would provide a steady presence as a punt returner. He has only six career kick return attempts with a long of 32 yards, which happened against the Jets, but no punt return experience in the NFL. He has decent speed, running a 4.42-second 40-time at his Pro-Day in 2019, but most importantly, he’s trusted by Rich Bisaccia.

Romeo Doubs

In terms of past success as a punt return man, Romeo Doubs is going to be the best option. During his career at Nevada, Doubs had 38 punt return attempts and averaged an impressive 12.5 yards per return with one touchdown per PFF ($$). During his final two seasons, he had zero muffed punts.

Samori Toure

Samori Toure was active for his first NFL game on Sunday and saw 19 snaps on offense, including his first NFL catch. Toure also took some reps as the punt return man this summer during training camp. During his 2021 season at Nebraska, Toure had just two punt return attempts and totaled nine yards, with a long of 10. While at Montana, Toure had 22 kick return attempts and averaged 17.8 yards per return.

Christian Watson

This feels like the least likely option of the group, but when healthy, Christian Watson would provide some needed playmaking ability at the position with his 4.36-second speed. Watson doesn’t have any punt return experience from his play days at North Dakota State, but he was an All-American kick returner, averaging 26.4 yards per return over his career with a pair of touchdowns.