Green Bay Packers tight end Josiah Deguara has put last year’s injury behind him and is now flourishing in a bigger role while replacing Robert Tonyan on offense.
Deguara, the Packers’ 2020 third-round pick, has at least two catches in six straight games, and he produced a season-high 44 receiving yards on three catches last week against the Chicago Bears.
“Yeah, he’s clicking on all cylinders. He’s doing a really good job for us for now. He’s playing fast. He’s come alive in every facet,” tight ends coach Justin Outten said.
Deguara tore his ACL in Week 5 of last season and missed the rest of the year. Outten admitted the young tight end battled some hesitancy while working his way back from the injury, one of the most significant in the spot.
Now, Deguara is playing fast and the injury is no longer a factor.
“He’s put himself in a really good spot right now,” Outten said.
Deguara has improved both in the passing game as a receiver to all levels and in the run game as a blocker. And more and more, it appears he’s on the same page with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, likely a result of more reps and more playing time.
At Pro Football Focus, Deguara has graded out as one of the team’s best run-blockers during two of the last three games.
“You see the growth right now,” Outten said.
Deguara played a season-high 37 snaps against the Bears, and he’s been on the field on offense for at least 25 snaps in four straight games. Tonyan went down in Week 8, and Deguara’s role has slowly increased.
