Packers share important yet frustrating injury updates after brutal sequence against the Jets
Matt LaFleur delivered grim news on both players, and the Packers’ offensive line depth is now a serious concern heading into a short week.
The Green Bay Packers had two significant injuries during their 20-17 win over the New York Jets, and head coach Matt LaFleur delivered updates on wide receiver Jayden Reed and right tackle Zach Bako-Bewele right after the game. Both players left the game early, on the first offensive drive, and the Packers now face depth concerns at two critical positions heading into a short week before “Thursday Night Football” against the Atlanta Falcons.
Jayden Reed’s neck injury
Reed suffered a neck injury after helmet-to-helmet contact from linebacker Demario Davis on the Packers’ second offensive play of the game. He was carted off the field and is expected to miss time.
“Reed’s got movement in all of his extremities,” LaFleur said. “He will be staying overnight. That was obviously a very scary deal. Anytime you see anybody down on the field and have to get carted off, it’s scary.”
Without Reed as the slot receiver, the Packers turned to Skyy Moore and Bo Melton for additional snaps against the Jets. Beyond Reed, Green Bay has five wide receivers on the 53-man roster: Christian Watson, Matthew Golden, Moore, Melton, and undrafted rookie J. Michael Sturdivant. Watson and Golden remain the primary options, and that group should hold until Savion Williams returns from injured reserve. Williams must miss at least two more games because he started the season on IR.
Zach Bako-Bewele’s long-term situation
Matt LaFleur also indicated Bako-Bewele could miss the remainder of the season, or at least an extended period of time with a serious knee injury.
“And an update on Zach Tom [Bako-Bewele], that doesn’t look good either,” LaFleur confirmed. “I think he could be out for a long time.”
Anthony Belton is now the starting right tackle. He delivered a passable performance against the Jets, drawing some penalties but holding up in terms of blocking. Still, losing Bako-Bewele creates a significant hole for an offensive line that was already dealing with depth issues.
The problems extend beyond the right tackle spot. Left guard Aaron Banks is handling a toe injury, and backup left guard Donovan Jennings, who entered the game after Banks got hurt and started in Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings, also left the game with a hand injury. Rookie fifth-rounder Jager Burton finished the game as a result. At some point, when Jacob Monk suffered a potential stinger, the coaching staff didn’t have extra backup options and considered moving Tucker Kraft to tackle.
“I loved the fact that our guys who stepped into the game, whether it was Jager or, obviously, Belton, came in and just competed and battled,” LaFleur explained. “Matter of fact, there was a time we were down four o-linemen. We were talking about having to put Tucker Kraft in at tackle when Monk was getting evaluated. I’ve never been a part of anything like that, but it does come up from time to time.”
The Packers could look to elevate players from the practice squad or pursue external additions over the next few days. Losing Bako-Bewele for an extended period is a massive blow, and the mounting injuries along the offensive line compound the challenge.
