Packers appear ready for a massive lift that may change the entire rhythm and identity of their offense this season
Wide receiver Jayden Reed has a shot at playing against the Bears on Sunday.
The Green Bay Packers have suffered with impactful offensive injuries this season. Earlier in the year, the offensive line had multiple formations, tight end Tucker Kraft is out for the season with an ACL injury, rookies Matthew Golden and Savion Williams have missed time, and Christian Watson has just returned from his own knee issue.
Now, though, the offense may finally get a huge boost. Out since Week 2 because of a broken collarbone suffered against the Washington Commanders, Jayden Reed has been practicing for two weeks, and now he appears to be closer to a highly-anticipated return. He’s officially listed as questionable to play against the Chicago Bears.
“Number one, he’s got a ton of experience, and you guys see how we’ve used him in the past in regards to moving him all over the place,” head coach Matt LaFleur said. “There’s a lot of things that he brings to our team. He’s a YAC machine. He really does a really good job, whether it’s handing him the ball, flipping him a screen, getting him downfield in a pass concept. He does a really good job after the catch.”
Packers’ injury report
Wide receiver Savion Williams (foot), edge defender Lukas Van Ness (foot), and defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt (ankle) have been ruled out. Running back MarShawn Lloyd (IR) and Collin Oliver (PUP) won’t be activated this week and are out as well.
Safety Javon Bullard (ankle) did not practice on Thursday and Friday, but is questionable. The other players listed as questionable to face the Bears are edge defender Brenton Cox Jr. (groin/IR), wide receiver Matthew Golden (wrist), and cornerback Nate Hobbs (knee).
Efficiency and versatility
It’s obviously a small sample size, but with two games this season, Jayden Reed leads the Packers in yards per route run (3.21), which would also be a career high for him. He’s also had his highest average depth of target (14.4). But it’s not just Reed’s ability as a pass-catcher. He can be a solid blocker and a valuable special teamer.
“It’s all the little things that he does when he’s not playing with the football in regards to the dawg mentality he brings to our offense,” LaFleur added. “He’s always doing a lot of the dirty work, digging out safeties, just competing to the highest level.”
While he may not play or be somewhat limited against the Chicago Bears on Sunday, he will be available and mostly healthy for the stretch run, and that’s a major factor for the team.
He adds elements to the offense, like the ability to generate yards after the catch, that the unit has missed since losing Kraft.
“He’s just got a really good feel for it and how everything times up and where he needs to be, and the skill set he possesses as well,” LaFleur explained. “Obviously, he’s got great speed, but he’s got good transition skills. It’s just kind of the role he’s carved out for himself, and he’s owned it and done a hell of a job with it.
The Packers have had success with Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Dontayvion Wicks, Matthew Golden, and Savion Williams at various points. But with Jayden Reed back, the offense gets another dimension — and much more efficiency.