Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed came out of the game with a shoulder injury. This tragic incident happened sometime during the teams’ season opener against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field. It’s worth noting that Kupp’s injury occurred on a play that was ultimately called back due to a holding penalty. It has a big effect on Reed and the Packers’ offensive gameplan in 2023 and beyond.
Reed sat out most of the team’s training camp earlier this year due to a foot injury. He truly roared back with a force in the opener. He ended the game with three receptions for 45 yards and a receiving touchdown. This performance solidified his claim to be a starting caliber player for the team moving forward. For as much as Reed was shining, he only played 18 snaps before leaving the game entirely.
It happened on the opening drive of the game. Reed had a finger on a pass in his direction that would have resulted in at least a 39-catch touchdown. Shoot, the referee blew the play dead. This call for unnecessary roughness on fellow teammate Anthony Belton just increased the team’s dismay.
In today’s press conference, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed that Reed’s condition is grave. He went and said … “He’s going to end up missing a ton of time. LaFleur expressed hope for Reed’s return later in the season, emphasizing the significant role Reed plays within the team’s structure.
“We’ll see how fast he can recover and heal and certainly I would expect him back at some point this season, but obviously it’s a big blow to us. He’s a guy who’s a catalyst for our offense and our football team, quite frankly, the energy he brings, and he’s a dog.” – Matt LaFleur
The Packers are going to miss Reed, and that’s an understatement. They’ll be looking to build on their recent 27-18 win against the Chicago Bears. His presence in the offense has been integral. This fact is made even more remarkable when you consider that he just came back from a foot injury that forced him to miss the entirety of training camp.
The Packers will have to get creative with their offensive game plan in the meantime while they wait for Reed to get back on the field. His past playoff performances proved that he can be the X-factor for his squad. Losing him for a long stretch will make it difficult for this team to sustain positivity following their opening win of the season.
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