Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed has a Jones fracture in his left foot, according to Channel 3000.com’s Jason Wilde, but is planning to play through the injury.
Reed was spotted sporting a boot during Green Bay’s first preseason game but returned to practice on Wednesday. He said that he’s not at full strength, but is “working through” the injury.
It typically takes a few months to recover from a Jones fracture, per Wilde. The injury can also require surgery, but Reed is committed to avoiding that scenario. His status for Week 1 remains uncertain, but the Packers’ decision not to place him on IR with a return designation indicates that they expect him back within the first four weeks of the season.
Reed’s absence would leave the Packers without their primary slot receiver. Christian Watson is starting the season on the physicall unable to perform list and won’t be an option for at least four weeks, though the team is hoping that’s all he’ll need to complete his recovery from last year’s ACL tear. Neither of the Packers’ rookie wideouts – Matthew Golden and Savion Williams – lined up in the slot for a large portion of their college snaps, so third-year wideout Dontayvion Wicks could be the next man up after a secondary slot role in 2024. Wicks returned to practice on Wednesday after missing multiple weeks with a calf injury and may take on a bigger target share at the start of the season.
Reed’s choice to play through the injury is a significant gamble due to the risk of further damage to his foot and of decreased production while hobbled. He’s entering the third year of his rookie contract after collecting a total of 119 receptions, 1,650 yards, and 15 touchdowns in 2022 and 2023. With other Packers receiver like Watson, Wicks, and Romeo Doubs up for extensions, re-injury or regression might hurt Reed’s chances of staying in Green Bay long-term. Shutting himself down, at least temporarily, would give him a better chance of staying healthy and continuing to grow his production.