Green Bay Packers GM Brian Gutekunst expects third-year receiver Equanimeous St. Brown to be ready for the start of practice and eventually provide an impact during the 2020 season.
St. Brown injured his ankle during the preseason last August and missed the entire 2019 season, but Gutekunst said he’s planning for the young receiver to be on the field when the Packers start practice this weekend.
“I would expect EQ to be ready,” Gutekunst said on Monday.
The Packers are banking on St. Brown to come back and help a passing game that could use a boost at receiver this season.
Like coach Matt LaFleur, who said it will be “great” to have St. Brown back this season, Gutekunst expressed confidence in what his 2018 sixth-round pick can bring to the table during his third season.
“The way he finished 2018, the way he goes about his business, the way he was performing in ’19 in training camp before he got injured. We’re really bullish on him,” Gutekunst said. “I think he’s got a bright future ahead of him. Glad he’s healthy. Glad he’s back. Expecting (him) to make an impact this year.”
St. Brown, who stands 6-5, caught 11 of his 21 passes as a rookie over the final five games of the season, including a five-catch, 94-yard game against the New York Jets in late December.
Back in April, quarterback Aaron Rodgers said St. Brown made “great strides” as a rookie and has a “great approach to the game.”
Without Devin Funchess (opt out) available for the 2020 season, St. Brown has a real opportunity to emerge as the No. 3 or No. 4 receiver, while possibly securing a role as a top option in the slot.
