Matthew Golden: Is playing tonight| Number Change| Stats Today

Matthew Golden has drawn a lot of attention lately — from his impressive college production to his transition into the NFL. As fans grow eager to see what he brings at the professional level, three big questions dominate: Is he playing tonight?, what’s his number change all about?, and how do his stats stack up? This article answers all those, with up-to-date sources as of September 12, 2025.

1. Is Matthew Golden Playing Tonight?

Injury Status

• Matthew Golden is currently active and is expected to play in the upcoming game.

• He was listed with an ankle minor injury earlier in the week. On Monday, he was limited, but then on Tuesday and Wednesday he was a full participant in practice. These developments mean he was taken off the injury report for game status.

So yes: Matthew Golden is playing tonight, per the latest injury report and his practice participation. No current indication that he’s ruled out or limited in game status. CBSSports.com+1

Role & Snap Expectations

Though he is active, expectations should be tempered. He is a rookie WR, still finding his footing in an NFL offense, and has had a relatively quiet start. For example, in Week 1 his production was modest: 2 catches for 16 yards.

Additionally, his position on the depth chart gives him opportunity but not yet starring role status. With other receivers in the mix, game planning will likely distribute targets. Still, given injuries or limitations of other players (Jayden Reed with foot issues, Christian Watson recovering, etc.), Golden may see more involvement than some expect.

2. Number Change: From #22 to #0

One of the more talked-about stories is Matthew Golden’s jersey number change.

What Changed

• After the draft, Golden was originally assigned #22 by the Green Bay Packers.

• He has since switched to #0, making history as the first player in Packers franchise history to wear that number.

• He said that he “always wanted a single digit” number. That desire, coupled with available options, led to the change.

Why It Matters

• Symbolically, #0 is distinctive — it stands out, especially when few receivers wear single digit numbers in the NFL. For a rookie trying to establish identity and brand, that can help.

• Practically, it might affect merchandise, fan recognition, and the narrative. Fans who bought a #22 jersey will notice, and communications (roster listings, broadcasts) will reflect the new number.

• Historically, number rules in the NFL have restricted certain numbers by position. In recent years, rules have loosened, allowing receivers more flexibility. That context makes Golden’s switch part of a broader trend.

3. Stat Snapshot: College and Early NFL Performance

To assess how good Matthew Golden is, it helps to look at his college numbers, early NFL output, and what those suggest about his trajectory.

College Career Stats

Golden played college football at Houston (2022-2023) and Texas (2024).

Key numbers:

Additional stats:

• All-purpose yards (including returns) added to his profile. For example, kickoff return yardage in college: 285 yards in 2024 from 14 returns, etc.

• He played 36 college games with 33 starts, finishing with 1,975 receiving yards and 22 receiving touchdowns across his college career.

These are strong numbers, especially in his senior year: nearly 1,000 yards on 58 catches is quite efficient and shows ability to be a primary option. The jump in average yards per catch also indicates deep threat or ability to gain chunk plays.

Early NFL / Current Stats

Though he’s only a few games into his NFL career, we have early data, which should be interpreted in context (rookie transition, limited targets, learning curve).

• For the 2025 regular season (so far), Golden has 2 receptions for 16 yards, averaging 8.0 yards per reception.

• He has not yet recorded a touchdown in the NFL. ESPN+1

• In his pro debut (Week 1 vs. Detroit Lions), he ran a 48% snap share, ran 13 routes, and was targeted 2 times (catching both) for 16 yards. That suggests the coaching staff is already trusting him enough to involve him significantly in the offense early.

Strengths & Areas for Growth

Strengths:

• Deep threat potential. His college stats (yards per catch, big plays) show he can stretch the field.

• Return ability. In college, he was productive as a kickoff returner, which adds versatility.

• Production under pressure. Playing at Texas, being a focal point of the passing offense, standing out among other receivers — all positive signs.

Areas to Watch:

• Target volume & consistency. So far in the NFL, his targets have been few; he’ll need to earn more looks.

• Separation and route-running at NFL speed. Many receivers dominate in college but need adjustments in footwork, timing, understanding defensive schemes.

• Durability & staying healthy. The ankle issue was minor but is something to monitor; any limitation might affect snap counts.

• Red zone usage. No NFL touchdowns yet; maximizing red zone opportunities will be key for his scoring impact.

4. What Tonight Might Look Like

Based on his status and recent usage, here is what fans might expect from Matthew Golden in tonight’s game:

• Active and starting: Since he’s healthy and listed as full participant, he should be in the rotation among the Packers WRs.

• Snap share likely moderate: He may not lead in targets or snaps immediately but could see 30–50% of receiver snaps, especially if the Packers use multiple WR sets.

• Opportunities due to others’ injuries/limitations: With Jayden Reed hurt (foot), Christian Watson out (ACL recovering), and others managing minor issues, there is more room in the donut holes of the passing game. Golden could benefit from this and see more targets than a typical rookie in Week 2.

• Potential for big plays but also quiet stretches: Given his skillset, he’s capable of explosive catches if given chances though, as in his debut, opportunities may be limited early in the game.

Conclusion

Matthew Golden is set to play tonight. He overcame a minor ankle issue, practiced fully, and is active per the team’s latest injury reports. His number change, from 22 to 0, gives both symbolic and branding value — particularly as he becomes part of Packers history by being the first to wear that number.

Statistically, his college career was very strong. He’s now entering the NFL with creditable early performance: modest in raw numbers, but signs of trust from the offense (snap share, route running). The path ahead involves earning more targets, proving consistency, and making plays when given opportunities.

For fans and fantasy players: watch Golden tonight. Even if he doesn’t explode, his involvement may increase. He’s a player with upside, and tonight could be another step forward.