The Green Bay Packers got a much-needed boost in Week 14 with the return of wide receiver Jayden Reed, and the timing couldn’t have been better. After missing nearly three months due to shoulder and foot surgeries, Reed finally suited up again-first against the Bears at Lambeau Field, then in Week 15 versus the Broncos.
Reed’s presence was immediately felt. While he didn’t find the end zone, he hauled in nine catches on 10 targets for 86 yards over the two games.
That kind of efficiency, especially after such a long layoff, is a promising sign for both the Packers’ offense and Reed’s individual trajectory. He’s not just back-he’s contributing.
But there was a moment of concern late in the Denver game. Reed was seen limping off the field in the fourth quarter, raising red flags for a team already dealing with its fair share of injury setbacks.
Thankfully for Green Bay, that scare appears to have passed. Reed was not listed on the first injury report of the week, a strong indication that he’ll be good to go for the Packers’ upcoming Week 16 rematch against the Bears-this time in Chicago.
That’s a huge sigh of relief for a Packers team that’s suddenly thin at key positions. The loss of star pass rusher Micah Parsons to a season-ending torn ACL in the same game against Denver is a crushing blow to the defense. Parsons had been a game-wrecker all season, and his absence will be felt immediately, especially against a Bears offense that’s shown signs of life down the stretch.
On the offensive side, Christian Watson is another name to watch. He came out of the Broncos game banged up and did not practice Tuesday due to chest and shoulder injuries. His status for Saturday’s game is now in question, putting even more pressure on Reed and the rest of the receiving corps to step up.
For Reed, this stretch of games is an opportunity to solidify his role in the offense. He’s shown flashes of what made him a standout at Michigan State-quick off the line, crisp in his routes, and reliable with the ball in his hands. If he can stay healthy, there’s a real chance he becomes a go-to option down the stretch, especially with Watson’s availability in doubt.
The Packers are entering a critical stretch, and while the loss of Parsons stings, getting Reed back at full strength is a silver lining. His return adds another layer to an offense that’s still finding its rhythm, and if he continues trending upward, Reed could be a key piece in Green Bay’s push through the final weeks of the season.