Donald Driver knew he was getting close to the end.
He just thought he’d be closer to the field on the way.
The Packers’ veteran wide receiver played just three snaps in Sunday’s loss to the 49ers, and said that was difficult to accept, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
“Played in this league a long time and not to play is tough,” Driver said. “No one expects it to happen, but if it happens you deal with it. I’m dealing with it in a good way.”
With Randall Cobb emerging as more and more of a factor, and several other younger options in front of him, such days are something Driver might have to get used to.
Greg Jennings’ injury status could open the door for him this week, but the reality is he’s down the line of options.
“This is a team that has a lot of guys that can make plays,” quarterback Aaron Rodgers said. “It’s a long season, as we saw with last season, maybe Game 1, some people didn’t get as many balls as they wanted to. But you realize by the end of the season those guys are all going to be called on at different times to make plays.”
Driver’s handling the news professionally, and he’s likely to get more opportunities as the season grinds on.
“I’m going to continue to do what I do,” he said. “Practice well, hoping you get your opportunity to have snaps and play the game and be ready. And I’ll be ready when they call.”
But hearing him say it is just a little nudge, and certainly will be better received than other old guys texting coaches to tell them he’s open.