Packers Refuse Workout for Ex-WR Who Betrayed Team With Bears Move and Locker Room Criticism

Green Bay, WI – September 3, 2025

As NFL teams finalize rosters ahead of Week 1, one former Green Bay Packers wideout hoped to return to the franchise that drafted him. Instead, he was met with a blunt answer: no.

The receiver, who spent two seasons in Green Bay before jumping to the rival Chicago Bears, reportedly reached out seeking a workout opportunity. But according to sources close to the team, Packers officials declined his request outright.

That decision wasn’t about depth charts alone. After leaving Green Bay, the receiver publicly described the Packers as “a disconnected locker room with no unity” — comments that still sting among fans and, apparently, inside 1265 Lombardi Avenue.

The 27-year-old tried to revive his career with the Bears, logging flashes in preseason before being cut just ahead of final roster decisions. His plea for another shot in Green Bay was, in many ways, an attempt to come full circle. But the door was firmly closed.

On fan forums and social media, Packers supporters called the refusal a matter of principle. “Once you call this team divided, you don’t get to wear green and gold again,” one fan posted on X.

The receiver’s NFL résumé remains modest: 22 career games, 13 receptions, and a stint on injured reserve due to a knee injury. For Green Bay, it was less about the numbers and more about loyalty.

By denying the request, general manager Brian Gutekunst made it clear: the Packers are moving forward with a young, unified receiver room. For a franchise built on tradition and culture, some bridges — once burned — are never rebuilt.

How to watch Steelers preseason Week 2: everything fans need to know

Following Pittsburgh's preseason opener victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, Steelers fans have another exciting matchup to look forward to later this week.

Here is everything you need to know about the Steelers preseason Week 2 matchup taking place this Saturday.

Who do the Steelers play?

The Pittsburgh Steelers are scheduled to face off against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in their second 2025 preseason matchup. The last time these two franchises faced off was their respective 2023 preseason opener — where the Steelers walked away victorious, 27-17.

A report has surfaced that the Buccaneers plan to play most of their starters for this week's contest, and it's also been confirmed that the Steelers won't follow suit.

Which Steelers aren't playing this Saturday?

These 14 Steelers have been confirmed as healthy scratches ahead of the preseason Week 2 matchup vs. the Buccaneers.

QB Aaron Rodgers
WR DK Metcalf
TE Jonnu Smith
TE Pat Freiermuth
LG Isaac Seumalo
RB Jaylen Warren
CB Joey Porter Jr.
CB Darius Slay
CB Jalen Ramsey
S DeShon Elliott
LB Patrick Queen
DT Cam Heyward
OLB T.J. Watt
K Chris Boswell

How to watch Steelers vs. Buccaneers preseason Week 2:

Date: Aug. 16, 2025
Time: 7 p.m. ET
Location: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
TV channels: KDKA-TV (Steelers), WFLA-TV (Buccaneers)
Streaming services: NFL +

Just tuning in to the Steelers preseason action? No problem, we at Steelers Wire have all the recaps and highlights from last Saturday's win over the Jaguars — including these six standout players from the preseason opener.

For up-to-date coverage of the Steelers preseason Week 2 matchup, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.

This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers preseason Week 2: TV, streaming info, time, date, opponent