The Green Bay Packers will be without star wide receiver Jayden Reed for a significant part of the season. He suffered a broken collarbone in the team's win over the Washington Commanders on Thursday Night Football, with reports indicating he could face six to eight weeks on the sideline after surgery.
It's heartbreaking, and a tough loss for the Packers' offense. If there's a positive, it's that the injury is not season-ending, and the time off will help his recovery from a reported Jones fracture in his foot that he had been playing through.
Reed should return around midseason in time for a playoff push, and he took to social media to send a three-word message to the fans: "I'll be back."
I’ll be back 🙏🏾
— j.reed11💂🏾 (@JaydenReed5) September 12, 2025
Jayden Reed sends a message to Packers after suffering a broken collarbone on TNF
It's always hard to lose a key player to a significant injury, but Reed is right. It shouldn't end his season. Not even close. The return timeline would put him in line to play in November, potentially in a huge showdown with the Philadelphia Eagles at Lambeau in Week 10. That game is in eight weeks, with a 60-day gap between the injury and Philly coming to Green Bay.
In the meantime, the Packers must figure out how to replace him. That could mean using first-round rookie Matthew Golden in the slot. Maybe third-rounder Savion Williams takes some of those snaps. Dontayvion Wicks can also play in the slot. The Packers have options.
It's impossible to replace Reed, who is a game-changer for this offense, but the Packers have a deep receiving corps. Tucker Kraft proved that with his career-best 124-yard, one-touchdown performance.
Green Bay will also get Christian Watson back at some point. There is no official expected return date, but he is eligible to play after Week 4. GM Brian Gutekunst hinted that Watson may not have to wait much longer than that.
Losing Reed hurts, but there's a positive spin on it. The Packers are 2-0 and already in great shape to earn a playoff spot. Reed will miss time, but it will allow him to recover from a foot injury he had been playing through, while also giving other receivers an opportunity.
He will return around midseason, fresh and ready to go ahead of the most important part of the season.