GREEN BAY – Bo Melton never envisioned playing all three phases in the NFL.
But once again there was the Packers’ receiver-turned-cornerback-turned-receiver seeing big-time snaps in a big-time NFC North matchup with the Chicago Bears on Sunday.
Green Bay’s jack-of-all-trades playmaker helped get the offense going with a career-long 45-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter of Sunday’s 28-21 victory over Chicago.
Melton practically went uncovered from where he lined up in the slot. Quarterback Jordan Love proceeded to fire a deep ball to Melton that arrived a moment before defensive back Jaquan Brisker could recover.
“When I broke and I seen J-Love wind up … I knew he was gonna put the ball on the money,” Melton said. “I just felt (Brisker) running. I was just like ‘All right, hopefully get there, get there’ and it got there. I’m just happy he saw me downfield.”
The Packers have used Melton in all sorts of ways since the team switched the 5-foot-11, 189-pound playmaker to cornerback at the start of training camp in July.
A core member of the special teams units, Melton began playing more on offense last month after a slew of injuries at wideout. Melton says he’s currently splitting his practice reps between both positions.
With Savion Williams (foot) out and rookie first-round pick Matthew Golden in his first game back from a wrist injury, Green Bay called Melton’s number again against Chicago.
The second-year veteran responded with his first regular-season touchdown since his breakout game nearly two years ago against Minnesota (six catches for 105 yards and a TD).
“I was so happy for Bo,” receiver Christian Watson said. “It’s actually crazy, we ran the same play twice in a row. I ran it the first time and obviously I was tired, so Bo goes out there.
“Bo brings a different energy to that wide receiver room. Obviously, he’s been back and forth between the corners and the wide receivers. I love seeing him get in the end zone.”
The Packers have been getting healthier at receiver, as Watson (knee), Dontayvion Wicks (calf) and Jayden Reed (foot/shoulder) have all recently returned to the lineup.
The overall depth of the room has allowed Head Coach Matt LaFleur to sprinkle in Melton here and there on offense and it’s turned into a productive change-of-pace.
“I do enjoy it just because it’s an opportunity,” Melton said.
“It’s been fun just going out here and playing both sides, for real, all season and getting into the game and being able to play offense, play special teams and maybe defense some time.
“It’s something I never thought I would be in in my career, but I get to tell my son, when he gets older, about it.”
