The Packers are getting a key piece back on offense, officially activating wide receiver Jayden Reed from injured reserve on Saturday. It’s a welcome development for a Green Bay team that’s been looking to reestablish rhythm in the passing game-and Reed’s return could provide just the spark they need.
Reed had been sidelined since Week 2, when he suffered a broken collarbone after landing hard on his shoulder with a defender draped over him during a game against the Commanders. The injury required surgery, and the initial timeline had him eyeing a November return. While that target came and went, the Packers were clearly playing the long game with Reed’s recovery-and now, with December football heating up, he’s back in the mix.
Before the injury, Reed had started to show flashes of what made him a second-round pick. In two appearances this season, he hauled in three catches for 45 yards and a touchdown. It’s a small sample size, but the playmaking ability is there, and the Packers will be eager to see how he fits back into the offense now that he's healthy.
Reed, 25, is in the third season of his rookie contract-a four-year deal worth just over $7.1 million, including a $2.2 million signing bonus. He’s under contract through the 2026 season and is set to hit unrestricted free agency in 2027. With his return, the Packers not only regain a versatile weapon in the slot and on the outside, but also a player who still has significant upside in their long-term plans.
In addition to Reed’s activation, the Packers made two other roster moves on Saturday. Defensive lineman Quinton Bohanna was claimed off waivers from the Seahawks, adding some depth to the defensive front. Bohanna brings size and experience to the interior line, and while he’s not a headline-grabber, he’s the kind of rotational piece that can make a difference in the trenches-especially as the grind of the season wears on.
To make room on the roster, the team released wide receiver Malik Heath. Heath had been part of a crowded receiver room in Green Bay, and with Reed returning, the numbers game ultimately worked against him.
As the Packers push toward the final stretch of the season, getting Reed back is a boost not just for the offense, but for a team trying to stay in the playoff hunt. His chemistry with the quarterback, ability to stretch the field, and knack for finding soft spots in coverage all give the Packers another dimension on offense. Now it’s just a matter of how quickly he can get back up to game speed-and how big of an impact he can make down the stretch.