Aaron Rodgers turned 37 today and Green Bay Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst got him a birthday present, a wide receiver that was once a first round draft choice.
30 year old Tavon Austin practiced for the first time today after signing his contract on Tuesday. He was the 8th overall choice of the then St. Louis Rams back in 2013 out of West Virginia University. The 5-9, 185 pound receiver got his career off to an explosive start with the Rams, being utilized as a slot receiver, a route running running back and punt returner. He compiled nearly 2000 yards receiving with 15 touchdowns, better than a thousand yards rushing with 10 scores and Austin also has three punt return touchdowns from his St. Louis to Los Angeles years with the Rams.
Traded to Dallas before the 2017 season, Austin’s playing time dwindled while injuries mounted and he was released at the end of last season. He signed with San Francisco before training camp but suffered another knee injury and was eventually cut.
Still, he’s a former first rounder.
When Rodgers met the media with nearly every reporter wishing him a happy birthday, he was asked a stunning trivia question. Could he name the only first round wide receiver he’s thrown a pass to in his career?
Too easy.
“K-Rob”, Rodgers blurted out almost as soon as the question was asked. That would be the easily forgettable Koren Robinson who was a first round pick of the Seattle Seahawks, drafted by Ted Thompson who brought him to Green Bay for the 2006-07 seasons. He caught 28 passes and one touchdown those two years and with Rodgers, subbing for an injured Brett Favre in 2007, Aaron completed two passes in two targets to K-Rob for a grand total of 21 yards.
Pretty good chance the Rodgers to “Pocket Rocket” connection might generate a little more production than that.
First day as a Packer for Tavon Austin.
When Davante Adams pushed hi media availability back one day, in stepped Austin to talk about how grateful he is the Packers are giving him another chance and he’s anxious to find a role in Matt LaFleur’s offense, Tavon’s former offensive coordinator in Los Angeles in 2017.
As for the birthday boy….
Aaron Rodgers celebrates another birthday in Green Bay.
Rodgers covered all the usual topics at his weekly zoom session, the addition of Austin, a stout Philadelphia Eagles defense and the fact it’s another candle blowing day for him. He was asked if he ever thought about first arriving in Green Bay and pondering what he’s become lo these many birthdays later?
Wednesday notes:
The Pack’s other addition this week practiced today as well, defensive tackle Anthony Rush, claimed off waivers from the Chicago Bears.
Linebacker Krys Barnes has finally come off the Reserve/Covid list. He went on the list after the San Francisco 49ers game. His return to the active roster leaves only running back A.J. Dillon still on it. He tested positive just after the Minnesota Vikings game on November 1.
The first injury report of the week is encouraging. The Pack is down to 13 players on the list but starting center Corey Linsley is going to be on it for a while. He suffered an MCL sprain in the first quarter against the Bears on Sunday night and could miss anywhere between three and six weeks. He was the only rostered player who did not participate at Wednesday’s practice.
Guard Lucas Patrick was limited with a toe injury but he’s expected to play with Elgton Jenkins taking over full time at center and rookie Jon Runyan making his first NFL start Sunday. That will be against the team his father starred for 25 years ago. Runyan grew up an obvious Eagles fan and said he’s excited for his first game against his dad’s franchise.
