Introduction
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs has recently caught fans’ and media’s attention—not just for his playmaking skills, but for the distinctive soft-shell cover on his helmet. In this article, we dive into three key points: why he’s wearing that helmet cover (Guardian Cap), what number he wears, and whether he will be playing tonight. We’ll also explore his background, stats, and answer frequently asked questions about his equipment and status.
1. Who Is Romeo Doubs?
Romeo Izziyh Doubs (born April 13, 2000) is an American professional football wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers. Drafted in the 4th round of the 2022 NFL Draft, he played college football at the University of Nevada. As of the 2025 season (Week 2), Doubs logged 152 receptions, 1,796 receiving yards, and 16 touchdowns.
He wears jersey number 87, a fact fans recognize and which remains prominent despite his unusual helmet appearance.
2. The Helmet Cover: What Is It and Why Is He Wearing It?
a) What’s the Helmet Cover?
Doubs is wearing a Guardian Cap, a soft-shell padded cover that fits over a traditional football helmet.
b) Purpose and Safety
Guardian Caps are designed to absorb impact, mitigating force from helmet-to-helmet collisions, thereby reducing the risk of concussions. NFL data suggests that they can absorb 11–12% of force per hit, and if both players wear one, impact force may decrease by around 20%. The NFL also claims a 52% reduction in concussion rates among position groups using Guardian Caps during training camps.
c) In-Game Use and Player Choice
While Guardian Caps were mandated for most position groups during practices starting in 2022, their use in live games was not permitted until 2024, making Doubs one of the early receivers to wear one during a regular-season game. Doubs began wearing it following a concussion sustained in Week 12 and famously returned in Week 15 against the Seahawks wearing it—scoring two touchdowns in that game. He explained, “Better safe than sorry”, acknowledging safety over superstition.
d) Mixed Reception & Effectiveness Debate
Though the NFL data is optimistic, independent studies have questioned Guardian Caps’ effectiveness in reducing head impact metrics, including a 2017 Journal of Athletic Training study and 2023 findings indicating limited impact mitigation. Players have also voiced concerns about the bulky or “bobblehead” aesthetic, though many now embrace the added protection.
3. What Number Does Romeo Doubs Wear?
Romeo Doubs proudly sports number 87 for the Packers. That’s the easily remembered part—though that Guardian Cap can make the helmet look larger, his jersey number remains prominently visible and is how fans identify him on the field.
4. Is Romeo Doubs Playing Tonight?
According to the latest NFL schedule, there is no game scheduled for the Green Bay Packers on September 12, 2025 . Therefore, he is not playing tonight.
5. Context & History: Injuries and Impact
Doubs has had a tumultuous stretch with multiple concussions in 2024. After sustaining his first during Week 12 against San Francisco, he returned with the Guardian Cap in Week 15 and delivered a standout performance. Later, in the Wild Card round against the Eagles, he suffered another concussion and had to be evaluated, walking off the field gingerly with support, with the Guardian Cap still in place. His commitment to returning safely highlights both the physicality of the game and his dedication.
6. Broader Significance of Guardian Caps in Football
Guardian Caps have been used in various levels of football—from youth and college to CFL and NFL practices. The NFL has increasingly incorporated them into safety mandates, culminating in allowing in-game use starting in 2024 for additional positions, including wide receivers and defensive backs. As key players—like Doubs—adopt the gear, it could signal an ongoing shift toward enhanced player protection. Romeo Doubs helmet.
7. Summary Table
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Player | Romeo Doubs, WR, Green Bay Packers |
| Number | 87 |
| Helmet Cover | Guardian Cap (soft-shell padding over helmet) |
| Reason for Use | Post-concussion precaution; potentially reduce impact |
| Effectiveness | NFL data positive; independent studies mixed |
| Playing Tonight? | No—Packers have no game on Sep 12, 2025 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What exactly is the Guardian Cap Romeo Doubs is wearing?
A: It’s a soft-shell padded cover fitted over a standard football helmet designed to absorb impact and reduce concussion risk.
Q2: Is the Guardian Cap mandatory for NFL players?
A: It’s required in practice for many positions. In-game use was banned until 2024; now players may choose to wear it, including Doubs.
Q3: Does it really reduce concussions?
A: NFL data indicates concussion rates dropped by 52% in positions wearing Guardian Caps during training camps. But independent academic research has not consistently confirmed such benefits.
Q4: Will Romeo Doubs play tonight?
A: No—there is no Packers game scheduled for September 12, 2025 .
Q5: What number does Doubs wear?
A: He wears number 87 for the Green Bay Packers. Romeo Doubs helmet.
Q6: Why did he start wearing the Guardian Cap?
A: After suffering a concussion in Week 12, Doubs chose to wear the Guardian Cap upon his return in Week 15, underscoring a personal decision: “Better safe than sorry.”.
Q7: Has the Guardian Cap use affected his performance?
A: Not notably. In his first game back wearing the Guardian Cap, Doubs caught two touchdowns, including a game-sealing score.
Conclusion
Romeo Doubs stands as both a dynamic on-field weapon and a notable case in player safety evolution. His choice to wear the Guardian Cap balances protection with performance. Despite past concussions, he has delivered strong performances in his return. Jersey number 87 remains firm, even as his helmet looks different under the cap. While he isn’t playing on September 12, 2025, fans will undoubtedly keep an eye on his continued safety-first approach in future games.
