The Green Bay Packers got ahead early and didn’t let go as they marched their way to a 27-18 victory over the Commanders on Thursday Night Football. On offense, Jordan Love was on point and Tucker Kraft had a career game – six catches for 124 yards. The defense stifled Washington’s Jayden Daniels-led attack all night long. Answering the bell, the run scheme held the Commanders to just 51 yards on 19 attempts.
Very early on, however, the Packers also suffered a concerning blow. On a pointless play, hauling in a would-be 39-yard touchdown pass nullified by a holding call, receiver Jayden Reed hit the ground hard and got up nursing his right shoulder. Tenderly holding his right forearm, he made his way to the sidelines but went to the ground in pain once he got there. Cameras showed a frustrated Reed heading into the locker room moments later. He did not return to the field.
Jan 12, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed (11) during warmups against the Philadelphia Eagles in an NFC wild card game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
The win was no less impressive due to the injury, but, if it’s as bad as it looks, Packers fans should be concerned over Reed’s health moving forward.
Packers involve multiple receivers in win, something they’ll have to emphasize if Reed misses time
Reed entered the game hampered by a foot injury, something he dealt with in practice this week and in Sunday’s game against the Lions. During camp, he decided to play through the discomfort rather than opt for surgery.
That has nothing to do with what happened on Thursday night. Some speculated he may have injured his clavicle. Reed dislocated the same shoulder last season, but he did not need surgery.
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs (87) celebrates scoring a touchdown with wide receiver Christian Watson (9), wide receiver Jayden Reed (11) and running back Emanuel Wilson (31) against the Arizona Cardinals during their football game Sunday, October 13, 2024, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
The severity of this injury is uncertain. Reed was listed questionable shortly after the incident and ruled out of the game by halftime. That’s already cause for concern. With Christian Watson out, Reed is the team’s clear-cut WR1 when healthy. Missing both him and Watson, Love would have to lean more heavily than ever on Romeo Doubs and Kraft. Dontayvion Wicks would play an even bigger role, as would rookies Savion Williams and Matthew Golden will have to step up.
A collectively productive receiver group was on display in Week 2 as Love spread the ball around against the Commanders defense. In addition to Kraft’s monster game and consistent involvement from Doubs, Wicks caught three passes for 44 yards. Malik Heath brought in a long ball for 37. Backup tight end Luke Musgrave had two catches for 32 and running back Chris Brooks had three for 27. Doubs brought in the Packers’ other receiving score for the first points of the game.
Jan 12, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft (85) makes a catch against the Philadelphia Eagles during the third quarter in an NFC wild card game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
The Packers won’t play again until they take the field in Cleveland on September 21. In the meantime, fans will wait for positive news on Reed following tonight’s early exit.
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