Packers WR Romeo Doubs returns to practice ahead of matchup with Bears

The Green Bay Packers got some good news at Wednesday’s practice, with wide receiver Romeo Doubs returning to the field following an ankle injury he suffered in Detroit back in Week 9 that has kept him sidelined.

During his rookie season, Doubs has caught 31 of his 48 targets for 314 yards and three touchdowns, according to PFF ($$). As expected, there have been ups and downs along the way, including a few dropped passes and not being in the correct spot at the right time, but his connection with Aaron Rodgers has continued to grow, following an impressive performance over the summer.

This newly forming trust between the veteran quarterback and rookie receiver was perhaps most evident during the Packers’ game-winning drive in overtime against New England, when Rodgers targeted Doubs twice, including once on a back-shoulder throw. A few weeks later, we then saw Rodgers find Doubs in the corner of the end zone against Buffalo when a defender was draped all over him.

It is unclear if Doubs will be ready to go for Sunday’s game in Chicago, but when he does eventually return, the Packers will have both Doubs and Christian Watson available, something that has not happened often this season. In fact, through 12 games, the duo has only been on the field together for 52 snaps because of various injuries.

Over the last three weeks, we’ve seen the emergence of Watson, who has hauled in six touchdowns during that span, along with 265 receiving yards. Watson’s big play ability has helped open up the passing game for others as well as the run game, as defenses can’t defend Green Bay so aggressively by condensing the field.

Adding Doubs back into the mix should not only help with those efforts, as he is another playmaker for defenses to account for, but in certain situations, he could help divert some of the attention that Watson is beginning to receive more of.

Despite going 1-2 in their last three games, this is a Packers offense that has been picking up steam, which includes scoring 30 or more points in two of those outings. The return of Doubs should help not only the passing game improve but overall the entire unit.