Green Bay Packers Star Jayden Reed Suffers Foot Injury—Will He Return for Season Opener?

By Jason Bolton August 12, 2025 09:48

The Green Bay Packers’ leading receiver, Jayden Reed, has been sidelined with a foot injury that has raised concerns about his availability for the start of the 2025 NFL regular season. Reed, who led the Packers last season with 55 receptions for 857 yards and six touchdowns, was spotted wearing a walking boot on his left foot during the preseason opener against the New York Jets on August 9, 2025, which he missed due to the injury. Head coach Matt LaFleur expressed cautious optimism but acknowledged the injury is a concern, saying Reed is “hopeful” to be ready for Week 1 against the Detroit Lions on September 7.

According to reports, the injury is a sprained foot that Reed sustained during practice while making a cut. The foot injury is unrelated to a pre-existing toe problem Reed had prior to training camp, which already kept him on the non-football injury list at the start. Reed described the injury in his own words, remarking, “I just cut wrong off my foot and I’m a little sore, battling a little something”. Despite the setback, Reed maintained a positive attitude about his recovery timeline, though he cautiously avoided guaranteeing his availability for the opener, saying, “I don’t want to be the one to speak on it.”

The Packers’ coaching staff and medical team are monitoring Reed’s progress closely. While a walking boot is always worrisome, LaFleur emphasized that he remains hopeful Reed can return in time for the first regular-season game. “Anytime you see a guy in a boot, that’s a concern,” LaFleur noted, “but we’re hopeful to have him back before the regular season”.

Reed’s injury compounds a challenging preseason for the Packers’ receiving corps. Christian Watson continues to rehabilitate an ACL injury and remains on the physically unable to perform list, while Dontayvion Wicks is recovering from a calf injury. Rookie receiver Savion Williams also missed the preseason opener due to a shoulder injury. With several key receivers sidelined, the Packers leaned on veterans Romeo Doubs and rookie Matthew Golden in the absence of Reed against the Jets.

Reed, a second-round selection in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Michigan State, quickly established himself as a reliable target for quarterback Jordan Love, leading the team’s receiving yards in consecutive seasons. His ability to make plays across the field and serve as the primary slot receiver is vital for the Packers’ offensive plans in 2025.

The timing of the injury could not be more critical, with the season opener just four weeks away. Should he miss Week 1, the Packers will be forced to lean heavily on their backups and rookies to fill the void. The team’s offense may also need to adjust their play-calling to accommodate the limited receiver options available.

Jayden Reed’s foot injury presents a significant but potentially manageable obstacle for the Green Bay Packers as they prepare for the upcoming NFL season. The key question remains whether Reed can recover fully in time to contribute when the regular season kicks off. While Reed and the Packers remain hopeful, his status will be a storyline to follow closely in the coming weeks as the team balances optimism with caution.