Losing Tucker Kraft for the season is undoubtedly a crushing blow to the Green Bay Packers’ offense, but more positive injury news is on the way.
Along with Christian Watson’s recent return, the Packers should soon get star wide receiver Jayden Reed back in the mix. According to Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the Packers have targeted either Thanksgiving against the Detroit Lions or December 7 versus the Chicago Bears as return dates.
Ironically, he could return healthier than if he hadn’t broken his collarbone in Week 2. Reed had been playing through a reported Jones fracture, but Silverstein notes that his “foot injury is completely healed.” Reed underwent double surgery to get both injuries fixed.
Jayden Reed’s return will give Packers’ offense a massive boost down the stretch
Talk about ideal timing. From Week 13, four of Green Bay’s final six games are against division rivals, with back-to-back contests against Detroit and Chicago kicking it off.
With Kraft done for the year, the Packers have lost their biggest yards-after-catch weapon. Nobody on the active roster, outside of the running backs, can produce such explosive plays with the ball in their hands.
Reed can help change that. His 380 yards after catch last season ranked third on the team behind Kraft and Josh Jacobs. The Packers can lean on this part of his game once he returns.
READ MORE: Packers could suffer a second loss to Panthers in just four days
Reed should also be fresh, potentially allowing him to hit his peak performance when it matters most. He made a lightning start to last season, catching 38 passes for 643 yards and four touchdowns, while rushing for 105 yards and a score, in the opening 10 games.
And with Reed resuming his role in the slot, the Packers can have Matthew Golden play predominantly on the boundary, having previously split his time inside and outside. That could help him use his speed and athleticism to generate more big plays alongside Watson, with Reed creating problems underneath.
The Packers’ banged-up offense needs a spark. Jacobs has battled through injuries. Dontayvion Wicks remains sidelined. Watson is being eased back in on a snap count. Getting everyone healthy is the priority, and that includes Reed’s incoming return.
Green Bay must first navigate through tough games against the Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants, and Minnesota Vikings, but the countdown is on.
