TE Rodgers hopes to build on first career catch

Sitting at his locker, Packers rookie tight end Richard Rodgers watched a couple reporters stroll up. To his right, fellow tight end Brandon Bostick turned his head.

"They love you this week," Bostick told him.

It's been a rough first month for the Packers' third-round pick from California. Entering Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears, Rodgers had zero catches in three starts. He also missed a key block that led to a safety last week against the Detroit Lions.

It didn't take long for Rodgers to redeem himself Sunday. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers looked to his rookie tight end on the Packers first two plays.

The result: two catches for 52 yards, including a 43-yard catch that stretched the field and set up Green Bay's first touchdown.

Richard Rodgers didn't catch a pass the rest of the game. Still, his production was a promising sign.

Afterward, Rodgers was asked if he knew whether the first two passes would go in his direction. His answer was short.

"I don't know how many times I've got to say it, but we don't know where the ball's going before it goes there," Rodgers said. "Just like I said before, I've got to take advantage of my opportunities."

-rwood@gannett.com and follow him on Twitter @ByRyanWood