Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed. Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Packers' dominant victory marred by star WR's long-term injury suffered on meaningless play

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By John Sbisa | Last updated Sep 12, 2025 12:33 AM ET

The Green Bay Packers got ahead early and didn’t let go as they marched their way to a 27-18 victory over the Washington Commanders on "Thursday Night Football." On offense, Jordan Love was on point and Tucker Kraft had a career game — six catches for 124 yards. The defense stifled Washington’s Jayden Daniels-led attack all night long. Answering the bell, the run scheme held the Commanders to just 51 yards on 19 attempts.

Very early on, however, the Packers also suffered a concerning blow. On a pointless play, hauling in a would-be 39-yard touchdown pass nullified by a holding call, receiver Jayden Reed hit the ground hard and got up nursing his right shoulder. Tenderly holding his right forearm, he made his way to the sidelines but went to the ground in pain once he got there. Cameras showed a frustrated Reed heading into the locker room moments later. He did not return to the field.

Mark Hoffman-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

Jayden Reed will miss "a lot of time"

After the game, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur told the media that Reed suffered a broken collarbone and is expected to miss six to eight weeks of action. "It's a big blow to us," La Fleur said.

Jayden Reed is going to miss "a lot of time," LaFleur says. He suffered a broken collarbone. "It's a big blow to us. He's a guy that's a catalyst to our offense and the football team."
— Bill Huber (@BillHuberNFL) September 12, 2025

With Jayden Reed expected to miss 6-8 weeks with a broken collarbone, Christian Watson's impending return looks even more important for the Packers.
— Jason B. Hirschhorn (@by_JBH) September 12, 2025

Packers involve multiple receivers in win, something they’ll have to emphasize with Reed sidelined

With Christian Watson out, Reed was the team’s clear-cut WR1 when healthy. Missing both him and Watson, Love will have to lean more heavily than ever on Romeo Doubs and Kraft. Dontayvion Wicks could play an even bigger role, and rookies Savion Williams and Matthew Golden will have to step up.

A collectively productive receiver group was on display in Week 2 as Love spread the ball around against the Commanders defense. In addition to Kraft’s monster game and consistent involvement from Doubs, Wicks caught three passes for 44 yards. Malik Heath brought in a long ball for 37. Backup tight end Luke Musgrave had two catches for 32 yards, and running back Chris Brooks had three for 27. Doubs brought in the Packers’ other receiving score for the first points of the game.

'Household Name' Packers Emerging Playmaker Named 2025 NFL Breakout Star 2 Jan 12, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft (85) makes a catch against the Philadelphia Eagles during the third quarter in an NFC wild card game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

The Packers won’t play again until they take the field in Cleveland on Sept. 21.

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: