Packers’ Romeo Doubs Talks Suspension, Denies Rumors of Dissatisfaction with Role

Patrick McDermott/Getty Images

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs told reporters he wished he had “handled things differently” after two missed practices led to his suspension from Sunday’s Week 5 win over the Los Angeles Rams.

Doubs said on Friday that he “had some things going on mentally” that led to him missing last week’s Thursday and Friday practices and the subsequent suspension.

“I do not feel comfortable getting to deep into that,” Doubs said. “Just you guys, hearing it from me, there are some things I have going on for myself. I did my best communicating and I’m just thankful that I’m here right now, able to still play ball.”

Ellie French @elliefrenchTVEvery answer today from Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs, who spoke with the media for the first time since returning from his one-game suspension.

He says mentally he is “doing fine” and wants to “be a better communicator” moving forward. #Packers pic.twitter.com/YZ78QMduck

Doubs told reporters that he did “not feel comfortable” expanding on his reasons for missing practice, but denied that they were related to the opportunities he was getting on the Packers’ offense.

“It’s a great offense here, got some ballplayers in our room… It’s much bigger than just obviously me, individually, finding my role,” Doubs said.

Doubs had made 12 receptions on 20 targets for 169 yards and no touchdowns through four games prior to his suspension.

A report by Sports Illustrated, now seemingly disputed by Doubs, stated the wideout had missed practice because he was “upset with his opportunities in the passing game.”

Doubs currently ranks third on the team to wideout Jayden Reed and tight end Tucker Kraft in both targets and receiving yards despite the Week 5 suspension.

The wideout seemed poised for a breakout third-year campaign after passing for 234 yards in two playoff games while helping the Packers upset the Dallas Cowboys in the Wild Card round.

Instead, however, it has been second-year receiver Reed with the breakout season, while considering the missed game Doubs is currently on pace for a similar output to his 674-yard 2023 regular season.

Doubs emphasized that his relationship with the Packers was fine after the suspension.

“As far as just the organization, and just the staff, players, there’s nothing go on within that area,” Doubs said. “So I just want to make myself clear there… great staff, great players, great support.”

Doubs concluded: “It’s not as big as what they think it is. And I know, narratives are always created, and just hearing it from me, it wasn’t that big of a deal.”

However, Doubs told reporters that he “absolutely wished I would have handled things differently,” Doubs said.

When asked what he would have changed, Doubs answered, “Just being a better communicator.”

When asked if he was okay, Doubs said, “Yes, I’m doing fine. Thank you for asking.”

The Packers defeated the Rams 24-19 to claim their third win of the season without Doubs, who general manager Brian Gutekunst said was suspended because “his decisions and actions during the week negatively impacted the team.”

After participating in practice on Wednesday, Doubs was absent for Thursday’s practice, which Sports Illustrated initially reported led to team representatives checking on the wideout at his home. Doubs was also absent for Friday’s practice, and the Packers issued his suspension the following day.

The Packers also suspended star cornerback Jaire Alexander for a single game last season for “conduct detrimental to the team.” Alexander, who later said the suspension had “improved” his relationship with the organization, told reporters he had spoken to Doubs to let him know he was “there for him.”

Doubs, who has been a full participant in this week’s practice, is expected to play against the Arizona Cardinals in Sunday’s Week 6 contest at home.