The Inexperienced Bay Packers are hopeful they’ll have large receiver Jayden Reed obtainable for his or her Week 1 matchup in opposition to the Detroit Lions, regardless of the second-year standout being sidelined with a sprained foot. Head coach Matt LaFleur instructed reporters after Saturday’s 30-10 preseason loss to the New York Jets that the workforce is “hopeful” Reed will probably be prepared for the Sept. 7 opener, however he acknowledged the strolling boot Reed was sporting is “a priority.”
“It’s unlucky, however hopefully we’ll get him again earlier than the common season,” LaFleur mentioned. “Anytime you see a man in a boot, that’s a priority.”
In response to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Reed is taken into account “day-to-day” with the damage, which is to his left foot and unrelated to the toe subject that saved him on the non-football damage listing earlier in coaching camp. Reed mentioned the damage occurred when he “simply lower mistaken” throughout follow.
“I don’t need to be the one to talk on it,” Reed mentioned when requested instantly about his Week 1 availability. “Simply lower mistaken off my foot and just a bit sore, battling somewhat one thing.”
Packers hope to get their WR again for Week 1
The damage is one other blow to a Packers receiving corps already depleted by setbacks. Christian Watson, the workforce’s different high goal, remains to be recovering from ACL surgical procedure. Dontayvion Wicks stays sidelined with a calf damage, whereas rookie Savion Williams has been out and in of follow with a concussion and didn’t play in Saturday’s preseason opener.
With out Reed and the opposite injured wideouts, the Packers’ passing assault struggled mightily in opposition to the Jets. Inexperienced Bay’s receivers mixed for simply six catches on 15 targets for 45 yards, with Romeo Doubs going with out a catch and Malik Heath hauling in a single move for 4 yards. Quarterback Jordan Love completed 1-of-5 for seven yards and emphasised the necessity for enchancment.
“It’s by no means enjoyable dropping a recreation like that, the place it simply appears like nothing’s going your approach and we’re not making any big-time performs,” Love mentioned. “We’ve bought guys banged up left and proper… there’s a whole lot of stuff to wash up.”
Reed’s potential absence in Week 1 could be vital. Drafted within the second spherical in 2023, he has led the Packers in receptions and receiving yards in every of his first two seasons. In 2023, he posted 55 catches for 857 yards and 6 touchdowns, including three 100-yard video games to his résumé. Total, he ranks sixth within the league in receptions (119) and fifth in yards (1,650) amongst receivers from his draft class, whereas his 14 touchdowns path just one participant.
For now, the Packers will monitor Reed’s restoration intently over the subsequent few weeks. Whereas LaFleur is optimistic, the workforce’s depth will probably be examined if he’s unavailable in opposition to Detroit. Within the meantime, rookies Matthew Golden and Williams, together with Doubs, will probably be tasked with holding down the fort till the receiving corps is again at full energy.