Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed will be sidelined for the remainder of the season after sustaining a neck injury in Week 2 against the New York Jets.
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed that Reed will need surgery, which means the 26-year-old is facing a lengthy absence. LaFleur stated that the injury is not considered career-threatening, but Reed will not return for the rest of the campaign.
Jayden Reed’s neck injury brings season to an end
Reed got hurt on Green Bay’s second offensive snap at MetLife Stadium. He stayed down on the field after the play and was later placed on a backboard before being transported by cart to a nearby hospital, where he remained overnight for further tests.
“It will be a season-ending [injury],” LaFleur said. “He’ll be out, unfortunately. He informed me yesterday that he’s going to have to undergo surgery as well.”
The Packers coach added that Reed’s injury and the planned procedure should not put his career at risk, though he expects the receiver to be absent for “a significant amount of time.”
Reed seemed to address the recent news on his official Instagram account, posting: “God will use the unusual to do the unexpected… 11 out.”
Packers face setback as Reed is sidelined
LaFleur acknowledged that the situation has been tough for Reed, who wants to compete and be on the field. The coach also called the incident a “pretty scary deal” and said it was shocking to see one of his players in that position.
“He’s a guy you have a lot of love for and brings so much to this organization and this football team, to the locker room,” LaFleur said. “He’s an energy guy, and he will certainly be missed.”
Reed has been with Green Bay for his entire NFL career after the Packers chose him 50th overall in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft out of Michigan State.
In April, Reed signed a three-year, $50.25 million contract extension with the Packers.
Packers look to other pass catchers
With Reed ruled out for the season, more responsibility in the passing game will fall on Christian Watson, Matthew Golden, and possibly Skyy Moore.
Tight end Tucker Kraft could also have a larger role as Green Bay adjusts to the loss of Reed.
The Packers will therefore have to redistribute the pass-catching workload while Reed begins his recovery from neck surgery.