The Green Bay Packers have had several big injuries this season. Though 6-7, they own the last NFC Playoff slot. With numerous NFC clubs having 6-7 records, the four remaining games are becoming must-wins. These games will get harder due to their ailments.
The Packers did not practice on Wednesday, but they released their first injury report of the week with player practice status predictions. This report included rookie wide receiver Jayden Reed.
Reed was examined for a concussion after hitting his head on the ground in the Packers’ 24-22 defeat to the Giants on Monday. Green Bay did not declare his status until now.
Reed, who has an ankle problem, did not have a concussion. Reed addressed his status for Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, since the severity of the injury is unknown.
Packers Wide Receiver Jayden Reed Expects to Play vs. Buccaneers
November 12, 2023; Pittsburgh, PA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed (11) blocks Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter, Jr. (24) in the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium.
Reed seemed to be unconcerned about his Sunday availability despite being classified on the injury report as a limited participant. He informed Bill Huber of Sprots Illustrated that he is well and would play against the Buccaneers:
Reed is great and will be ready Sunday.
This is great for Green Bay. Christian Watson was expected to be a non-participant on the injury report as he recovers from a hamstring injury he sustained late in the Packers’ victory against the Chiefs. Due to a significant ankle injury, rookie wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks may lose time.
Losing two wide receivers is awful. The Packers will also miss starting tight end Luke Musgrave, who has a lacerated kidney. Aaron Jones’ damaged MCL keeps him week-to-week, although the injury report lists him as a limited participant.
Jayden Reed is on track for a breakout rookie season as a Green Bay Packers wide receiver.
Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed (11) celebrates a second-half touchdown grab versus the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High on October 22, 2023.
Reed has 48 throwing catches for 540 yards and five touchdowns this season. Second in catches (behind Romeo Doubs’ 49) and first in passing yards. Five receiving touchdowns tie Dougbs for second on the team (seven and Watson five).
Reed needs seven more catches to match the Packers’ rookie record. In 1988, Sterling Sharpe set the record with 55 in his debut season. Sharpe caught 55 passes for 791 yards and one score that year.
Watson was the finest rookie wide receiver under Aaron Rodgers last season, catching 41 passes for 611 yards and seven touchdowns.
Billy Howton, the NFL’s all-time top receiver, with a franchise record 53 catches for 1,321 yards and 13 touchdowns in 1952, the Packers’ finest rookie season.
