NFL

Time for TE Robert Tonyan to be Packers' version of George Kittle?

GREEN BAY, Wis. — You probably thought Robert Tonyan would find a place in the Green Bay Packers’ tight end rotation after his 54-yard touchdown catch against the Seattle Seahawks in 2018. Or after his leaping sideline grab against the Dallas Cowboys last season.

He never did.

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Not in 2018, for reasons no one could figure, and not in 2019, because he shredded his core muscle on that very catch — an injury that kept him out for five straight games. It limited his reps upon his return and ultimately required surgery in the offseason.

So why should anyone — fantasy football players chief among them — think this season will be any different for a tight end with just 14 career catches in two seasons?

Because Matt LaFleur says so. When asked whether Tonyan is in play for the No. 1 tight end job, the Packers coach didn’t hesitate for even a second.

Early in spring training, tight end Robert Tonyan has looked exceptional to head coach Matt LaFleur. Larry Radloff/Icon Sportswire)

“Absolutely,” LaFleur said.

TE Robert Tonyan is impressing early pic.twitter.com/3j0R2zr

— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) Aug. 20, 2020

“Just being around someone who’s done it and lives it, it’s just another person to compete with every day,” said Tonyan, a high school quarterback turned receiver at Indiana State. “Whether we’re playing video games competing or in the backyard getting catches on the JUGS, it’s just competition nonstop. When you have a good relationship with one of your buddies and you’re also competing 24/7 when you’re with them, it brings out the best in both of us just constantly competing and constantly getting better at just everyday life.”

First, Tonyan had to get his body better.

Robert Tonyan looks the part — he should, he is workout partners with 49ers star George Kittle. But is Tonyan “the man”? Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports

“He did a great job coming off of surgery this offseason,” Burks said. “We were working side by side for pretty much this whole offseason. I’ve seen the work he’s been putting in. He’s a grinder, man. He loves the game. He plays at a fast tempo. I’m excited to see what he does this year. I know he’s going to be a difference-maker on our offense.”