Packers’ Jayden Reed Out for 2026 Season With Neck Injury

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed will miss the remainder of the 2026 season as he is undergoing neck surgery.

Reed suffered a neck injury in Week 2 against the New York Jets and was carted off the field. He is being placed on the injured reserve and will miss a significant amount of time, but the injury is not considered career-ending.

Through 42 games in his career, Reed has been a productive weapon for the Packers, catching 142 passes for 1,881 yards and 15 touchdowns while rushing for 310 yards and three touchdowns on the ground.

With Reed out for the year, Green Bay will lean on Christian Watson, Matthew Golden, Skyy Moore, Bo Melton, and J. Michael Sturdivant.

Watson has played at a high level this season, with 17 receptions for 284 yards and four touchdowns through the first three games. Golden has 15 receptions for 253 yards and a touchdown, breaking out in a larger role.

Moore has the opportunity to take on a bigger role on offense after making an impact on special teams. Through three games, he has five receptions for 37 yards. The 26-year-old has stepped into the slot and could become a key weapon for Jordan Love.

Melton and Sturdivant will provide depth in the receiver room, but haven't had much of an impact yet. Melton has one reception for 10 yards, while Sturdivant has three receptions for 22 yards.

It's been a rough start to the season for the Packers, with a 1-2 record and an offense that's struggled behind an atrocious offensive line. Brian Gutekunst and the front office have been active in retooling the unit this past week, signing Laken Tomlinson, Mekhi Becton, and Kevin Zeitler to deals.

If those changes can give Love more time in the pocket to deliver downfield, he should be able to connect with his receivers at a much higher rate.

Through the first three weeks of the season, Love has been under constant pressure, completing 52.4 percent of his passes for 844 yards, six touchdowns, and two interceptions.

Since becoming a starter, Love has not completed fewer than 63.1 percent of his passes in a season.

Reed being out for the year is a major loss for the Packers' offense, but they have the talent to still be an elite unit if the offensive line plays better. Green Bay will hope Reed can have a strong recovery and return to the field next season.