During Sunday’s overtime win against the New York Jets, Green Bay Packers wideout Jayden Reed had to be carted off the field with his head immobilized following a deeply concerning incident.
The Packers soon confirmed he would not return, citing a neck injury.
Additionally, Packers right tackle Zach Bako-Bewele exited during the opening quarter due to a knee issue and was also sidelined for the rest of the game. Despite these setbacks, Green Bay overcame a 17-7 deficit in the fourth quarter to secure a 20-17 victory in extra time.
Reed Retains Sensation and Movement in Extremities
Following the matchup, head coach Matt LaFleur informed journalists that while Reed was slated to spend the night in New York, he was able to move all of his limbs.
“He is able to move all his extremities,” LaFleur shared during his postgame press conference. “He is going to stay overnight at the hospital. It is always incredibly frightening to witness a player down on the turf needing to be taken off on a cart.”
Although LaFleur refrained from providing specific details regarding the diagnosis, Reed himself shared a reassuring message on his social media accounts.
LaFleur noted that the outlook for Bako-Bewele’s injury was similarly concerning.
“He might face a lengthy absence,” LaFleur explained, though he did not specify the exact type of knee damage Bako-Bewele sustained.
Receiver Immobilized on Backboard Before Being Carted Away
During the first quarter, Jets linebacker Demario Davis struck Reed’s helmet with his shoulder pad. The receiver lay prone on the turf for a brief period before turning over onto his back.
First responders rushed to Reed’s side right away, while Green Bay players stepped off the sidelines to rally around their teammate as the medical vehicle arrived.
Medical personnel carefully secured Reed to a spine board and immobilized his neck prior to loading him onto the vehicle. He was subsequently driven off the playing field.
Now in his fourth professional season, the 26-year-old Reed has spent his whole career in Green Bay after being drafted in the second round in 2023. On the Packers’ depth chart, he serves as the primary complement to top receiver Christian Watson.
Issues with his collarbone and foot restricted Reed to just seven appearances during the 2025 campaign. During his previous healthy year in 2024, he registered 55 receptions for 857 yards alongside six touchdowns. Prior to this game, he had caught three passes for 20 yards in the Packers’ season-opening defeat against the Minnesota Vikings.
