Jeff

Janis

Most notably, he is listed behind both Davante Adams and Jared Abbrederis. By all accounts, Janis had not had a good training camp, and it is becoming increasingly unlikely he carves out an offensive role. Adams seems like the odds-on favorite to open the season as the No. 3 receiver.

It’s been the consensus among beat writers from other Packers media outlets, as well. McGinn did suggest Janis may be more of a “gamer” than practice player, and that Janis’ performance in Green Bay’s preseason games carries more weight than his play on the practice field. By all accounts, Janis has dropped too many passes and still struggles to get on the same page as Aaron Rodgers.

A playoff hero against Arizona (7-145-2), Janis scored a 60-yard touchdown on a deep jump ball at Monday’s OTA session, beating Packers top CB Sam Shields. With Jordy Nelson (ACL) on the shelf, Janis is gobbling up first-team reps. “Special teams he had an excellent year last year, graded out as one of our top players,” said McCarthy. “I’d like to see him take that same step as a wide receiver.” 6-foot-3, 219 with 4.42 speed, Janis oozes physical tools but still needs to earn the trust of Aaron Rodgers.

“When he can stop thinking so much and react more, you see the athletic ability,” Rodgers said. “He’s obviously gifted very well with his athleticism, his jumping ability and his speed. He just needs to get to a level where he’s not thinking as much and his instincts take over.” Janis almost single-handedly saved the Packers’ postseason run with two Hail Mary catches in the dying minutes of the Divisional Round loss, but he has yet to carve out a consistent role in the offense. These comments could help explain why. With Davante Adams’ future in question, Janis has a real opportunity to seize a role, but he needs to show a better grasp of the offense.

He’s behind not only Davante Adams, but Jared Abbrederis, as well. Janis is a fantasy/metrics folk hero, but he’s never shown the Packers what they want in practice. Janis’ 53-man roster spot is likely assured, albeit only because he is one of Green Bay’s best special teams players.

Janis is running as a starter with Jordy Nelson (ACL) on active/PUP, but was reported to have had several miscommunications with Aaron Rodgers on the first day of camp. Demovsky considers Davante Adams the favorite to return as Green Bay’s No. 3 receiver. Janis made waves for his monster game in the Divisional Round against Arizona, but he has just two career catches in the regular season.

“He’ll go over after his set of reps and talk through it with them, especially with Jeff,” quarterbacks coach Alex Van Pelt said. “They’re getting a good relationship now, working together and talking about what they expect from each other. So that’s been very positive.” Janis is an athletic freak who has produced whenever given the chance, but he has never earned Rodgers’ trust. Despite the extra attention, Janis has reportedly struggled early in camp. He is competing with Davante Adams for the No. 3 job.

Seen in the locker room with a bag of ice on his right hand Wednesday, Janis told reporters he jammed his fingers during a drill. That is likely (hopefully) the reason for his absence Friday. While this injury does not appear to be serious, it is another blow for a player who has struggled thus far in training camp, especially considering the standout performances Janis usually puts on tape in the preseason. Unless the injury is more serious than he is letting on, Janis will likely be ready for next week’s contest.

This fractured hand is probably going to kill the dream. Janis suffered the break in practice last week, missed Green Bay’s preseason opener, and has no timetable to return. His right hand was in a splint at Saturday’s practice.

Janis had “screws” inserted into his hand. The Packers should value Janis’ special teams contributions enough to keep him on the 53-man roster, but it’s not a guarantee. His chances of earning an early offensive role are out the window. Davante Adams remains the favorite for Green Bay’s No. 3 receiver job.