Packers rookie WRs could play huge role if Allen Lazard misses Week 1

One of the burning questions heading into the NFL season is what the Green Bay Packers offense will look like without Davante Adams. With Allen Lazard's Week 1 status suddenly up in the air, fresh faces might have a chance to make an instant impact.

Lazard, the heir to Adams as Green Bay's projected No. 1 receiver, has been missing from practice since last Wednesday with an undisclosed injury. With Matt LaFleur telling reporters "we'll see" about Lazard's availability for Week 1, rookies Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs could be in line for big roles.

Aaron Rodgers has raved about Watson and Doubs. In his last appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show" (h/t CBS Sports' Bryan DeArdo) Rodgers said Watson is "a different type of receiver than we've had," praising his speed and "incredible stride length." Watson was the 34th overall pick in April's NFL draft.

Rodgers said in August that Doubs, despite being the 132nd pick, was going to be a big part of the offense. 

“The standard for him is not going to be the standard for a normal rookie we’ve had here in the past," Rodgers told reporters after a practice, explaining that Doubs is "going to be expected to play." 

If Lazard can't go, the Packers might not have a choice. Green Bay has veterans Randall Cobb and Sammy Watkins listed as starters on the depth chart, but LaFleur has made it clear the Packers will spread the ball around. Cobb is a longtime Rodgers confidant, but he was targeted only 39 times last season — his lowest total since 2011. 

Rodgers said what he genuinely believes, for better or worse. If he believes Watson and Doubs are NFL-ready, they will both be worth watching against the Vikings.