The Green Bay Packers' win over the New York Jets was overshadowed by a scary injury to wide receiver Jayden Reed early in the first quarter. Reed had to be taken off the field on a stretcher after suffering a neck injury.
Moments later, right tackle Zach Bako-Bewele injured his knee and had to be carted off the field with an air cast on his right leg.
Both players could face significant time on the sideline. Head coach Matt LaFleur provided an update after the game.
Matt LaFleur on Jayden Reed
"He's got movement in all his extremities. 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."
Matt LaFleur on Zach Bako-Bewele
"That doesn't look good, either. He could be out for a long time."
LaFleur also spoke on the Packers Radio Network (via Zach Kruse), adding: "That doesn't look good. That could be a season-ender potentially."
Packers almost had to play Tucker Kraft at tackle after offensive line injuries
The most important thing is that Reed has movement in his extremities. That's a positive update. Hopefully, he can make a speedy recovery. He posted a message to fans on social media after the game.
Doing much better, appreciate all the prayers and support 🙏🏾 #GPG🧀
— j.reed11💂🏾 (@JaydenReed5) September 20, 2026
The Packers' problems along the offensive line go from bad to worse. It's unclear what Bako-Bewele's knee injury is, whether it's related to the partially torn patellar tendon or something new. It was one of many offensive line concerns in the game.
"There was a time we were down to four O-linemen. We were talking about having to put Tucker Kraft in at tackle when (Jacob) Monk was getting evaluated," LaFleur said.
LaFleur didn't speculate on how long Bako-Bewele will miss, but based on his comments and the tone of his message, it sure sounded like a potential season-ender. Just brutal.
Aaron Banks, who was also questionable coming into the game, exited early and was replaced by Donovan Jennings. Then, Jennings hurt his hand and had to leave the field, with rookie Jager Burton finally getting an opportunity. Right guard Jacob Monk also had to get looked at briefly.
Anthony Belton stepped in at right tackle, and to his credit, he held up OK. By Pro Football Focus' unofficial count, Belton allowed only one pressure on 35 pass-blocking snaps, good for an impressive 73.8 grade. The Packers will need a lot more of that if Belton is now the full-time starting right tackle.
Don't be surprised if the Packers add multiple linemen in the days ahead, especially with the next game coming up on Thursday Night Football.
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