The Green Bay Packers picked up a massive victory over the Minnesota Vikings in Week 17. That kept their playoff hopes alive as they head into their Week 18 season finale against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field.
One of the stars of the Week 17 victory was rookie wide receiver Jayden Reed. With Christian Watson sidelined again because of a hamstring injury suffered on December 3rd against the Kansas City Chiefs, Reed took over as the top option in the passing offense.
It was a role he took to well as Reed caught six passes for 89 yards and two scores in the first half. However, his night was cut short as the Packers pulled him from the game and ruled him out with a rib injury.
NFL News & Rumors: Jayden Reed & Green Bay Packers Updates
This time, it was reaggravated because of a late hit that he received after making a fair catch. During his post-game press conference, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur added an update on the situation.
“He was ruled out,” LaFleur said Sunday night when asked if their first-half lead played a role in pulling Reed. “Matter of fact, I’m not quite sure where we’re at with him. They took him for some tests and CT and scans and all that. We’re hopeful. Hopefully, he’ll be alright for next week. I know if there’s anybody who can get through it, it’s him.” (H/T Heavy)
Reed has recently popped up on the injury report with a rib issue. The Michigan State product will undergo more testing, but Ian Rapoport of NFL Network has shared that his Week 18 status is in doubt.
For six weeks the second-round pick has popped up on the injury report. He has missed only one game, a Week 16 victory over the Carolina Panthers, but it sounds like he is in danger of missing another one.
NFL News & Rumors: Jayden Reed & Green Bay Packers Updates
“He’s been battling all season,” LaFleur said Sunday. “He’s had a lot of pain, let’s just put it that way. And for him to go out there and put on a performance like that [against the Vikings] I thought was huge, coming away with two touchdowns. And just seeing this guy, how gritty he is, he’s as tough as they come.”
Not having Reed in the lineup Week 18 would be a huge blow to the Packers. He has emerged as a go-to weapon for quarterback Jordan Love and the team is already shorthanded at the position.
The Packers single-season record for receptions by a rookie was broken by Reed last week, surpassing Sterling Sharpe. Reed now has 60 receptions for 681 yards and eight touchdowns. He has showcased his versatility throughout the season, also carrying the ball 11 times for 119 yards and two more scores.
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