Packers news: Ref explains Dontaevion Weeks’ touchdown: ‘The receivers are so good’

One of the umpires from the Thanksgiving game in between Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions had an intriguing explanation for wide receiver Dontayvion Weeks’ touchdown play.

The highlight happened at the beginning of the second quarter. Weeks caught a 22-yard pass from quarterback Jordan Love after making a great tackle from a Lions defender. He kept his balance while keeping his feet inside the end zone, preventing them from going out of bounds.

Lions reporter Colton Pouncey interviewed NFL Vice President of Instant Replay Mark Butterworth after the game. One of the topics was Vicks’ touchdown, which is the referee explained why they supported the call.

“What did you see on Dontayvion Weeks’ second-quarter touchdown that led you to confirm that he had possession of the ball and both feet in bounds?” Pouncey asked.

“The ruling on the field was a touchdown. We saw a tackle with the right foot down and the left down in the end zone, then a third step out of the end zone,” Butterworth replied.

“Was there any discussion about the drum?” Pounci followed.

“No. These receivers are that good. He controls the ball with his arm. But with his hands or arm above his body, as he’s pulling it down, as a rule, he can actually pull that ball into his body as he completes the catch,” Butterworth replied.

Packers-Lions pool report pic.twitter.com/hsnddMpi9i

— Colton Pounce (@colton_pounci) November 27, 2025

As Dontaivion Vicks, the Packers played against the Lions

It’s clear that Dontayvion Weeks’ touchdown play got a lot of attention because it played a key role in the Packers’ 31-24 win over the Lions.

Green Bay got off to a slow start as they only scored a field goal in the first quarter. Even so, they rallied by scoring their final 28 points in the second and third periods, fending off Detroit’s rally during the Thanksgiving contest.

Jordan Love had a great game against a division rival. He completed 18 of 30 passes for 234 yards and four touchdowns.

Josh Jacobs was solid in the running game, making 17 carries for 83 yards. Weeks was a star in the receiving game, hauling in six catches for 94 yards and two touchdowns. Christian Watson was next with four receptions for 80 yards and a touchdown, while Romeo Dabb caught four passes for 20 yards and a touchdown.

Green Bay improved to 8-3-1 on the season, holding second place in the NFC North division standings. They are above the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings while trailing the Chicago Bears. In terms of NFC standings, they are in sixth place. They are above the San Francisco 49ers and Lions while trailing the Seattle Seahawks and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Packers will be looking forward to their next game, as it will be at home. They host the Bears on December 7th at 4:25pm ET.