It wasn’t a secret that the Green Bay Packers would be without Christian Watson to start the season. Watson’s injury history speaks for itself, but he’s a difference maker when he’s out there on the field.
Just moments before their first preseason game, Packers fans were shocked to see their star receiver in a walking boot. His injury was clarified post-game, but remains an issue for the foreseeable future.
Jayden Reed’s Walking Boot Turns Heads
Jordan Love only completed one pass in his two drives on offense. Matthew Golden hauled in a pass that two other receivers dropped to start the game. Regardless, Golden will need to step up as WR1 if Jayden Reed isn’t available by September 7.
Reed has led the team in receiving yards each of the years that Love has started. While it’s only a sample size of two seasons, that remains a key factor in a never-ending debate as to who is this team’s WR1.
Packers HC Matt LaFleur said he is hopeful that WR Jayden Reed will be ready for Week 1. Reed is dealing with a sprained foot that one source described as leaving him “day to day.”
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 10, 2025
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ESPN.com’s Rob Demovsky broke the news of Reed dealing with a sprained foot. He hasn’t practiced since Wednesday, August 6. While that should have been Packers first indication that he wasn’t going on play last night, no one had any idea he was in a walking boot.
Packers fans aren’t in the clear on his injury just yet. Head coach Matt LaFleur commented, “Hopefully we’ll get him back before the regular season. I think anytime you see a guy in a boot, that’s a concern.”
Not only did LaFleur barely touch on his injury, but Reed didn’t give much information either, “I don’t want to be wrong about anything, so I ain’t going to be the one to say it.”
Ultimately, Adam Schefter reported that Reed is day to day. With Week 1 exactly four weeks away, the 25-year-old has ample time to get back to 100%.
Injuries Begin to Pile Up Before Packers Season Begins
In total, Demovsky mentioned the Packers missing four of their top six receivers in the preseason opener. Watson and Reed are the obvious ones, with Dontayvion Wicks and Savion Williams out as well.
Romeo Doubs dropped a third-down pass from Love early in the game. Malik Heath dropped one as well that would’ve been an easy first down. Newcomer Mecole Hardman had a rough game as well, proving how vital Watson and Reed are to this team.
This is likely a grade 2 midfoot sprain.
I’ll discuss in a video tmr….not good https://t.co/ASmwv7dlrl
— Jesse Morse, M.D. (@DrJesseMorse) August 10, 2025
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Dr. Jesse Morse didn’t go into extreme detail on Reed’s injury, but said it’s, “likely a grade 2 midfoot sprain.” Ultimately, he doesn’t think things are looking good for the Michigan State graduate.
Packers fans have gotten used to Reed as WR1 on this team. Whether that’s official or not, his 857 yards last season did the trick. Even though he had nine less receptions than the year prior, he still finished with 64 more yards. Averaging 15.6 yards per reception, it’s clear how much of a difference maker the 2023 2nd round pick is.
Elsewhere, the team will spend the rest of training camp without Nate Hobbs and Xavier McKinney. Those are two key defensive pieces that they’re also hoping to get back in time for Week 1.
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