After a few weeks of practice, Packers receiver Jayden Reed appears to be nearing a return, with the anticipation that he will be available against the Bears on Sunday. He has remained a limited participant in both Wednesday and Thursday practice this week.
Having Reed back will open up the Green Bay offense in a big way. Offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich suggested as much yesterday when asked about how Reed’s absence has limited the team’s playcalls.
Reed’s reintroduction will add both balance and depth to Packers offense
Stenavich conceded that losing Reed eliminated certain options on the playsheet. “Yeah, I think so. The playmaking ability he has in the slot is one of the better in the NFL,” said the Packers OC. “His explosive ability, his ability to be active in the run game as well, you know, with some other plays like that.”
Replacing Reed’s slot production has been a challenge, and even more so his yards after the catch. Missing both him and Tucker Kraft, the Packers have few real YAC producers beyond the backfield.
It’s also true that Reed has simply been a reliable source of production in general, the team’s leading receiver last year and the de facto WR1 this season before fracturing his collarbone in Week 2. Romeo Doubs has stepped up in his absence, but he isn’t the same all around threat.
Christian Watson’s return has worked wonders, but he is first and foremost a deep threat rather than a slot receiver or YAC machine. Having those elements back in the offense in the form of Reed will supply a major boost.
As Stenavich notes, Reed also presents another option for trickery in the run game. In his two seasons in the league, the Packers have involved him in a healthy dose of toss plays and end arounds. Reed has 31 career carries for 282 yards and three touchdowns.
While it’s still possible that Green Bay gives him one more week of practice and conditioning, he seems to be on track to play in some capacity against Chicago. If he does, the Packers will have an additional weapon for another crucial NFC North clash – Sunday’s winner will control their own destiny, while the loser will have the Lions hot on their heels.
“Whenever the point is that we get him back, it definitely opens up a lot of things for sure.”
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