Packers need Dontayvion Wicks leap year more than ever after brutal injury to Jayden Reed 7 Oct 13, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks (13) is tackled by Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (3) and inside linebacker Kyzir White (7) during the first quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Packers’ offensive weapon vows to replace Jayden Reed

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Matt Lombardo | Last updated Sep 18, 2025 2:28 PM ET

The Packers’ passing offense is going to look a bit different for the foreseeable future.

Green Bay’s leading receiver from the 2024 campaign, Jayden Reed, will be sidelined for at least the next six to eight weeks, as the playmaking wide receiver works his way back from collarbone and foot injuries, removing one of quarterback Jordan Love’s most explosive weapons from the Packers’ arsenal.

In Reed’s absence, tight end Tucker Kraft figures to take on an even expanded role amid what has been a bombastic start to a potential breakout season. However, Kraft isn’t the only Packers pass-catcher who could see an uptick in targets as early as Sunday against the Cleveland Browns .

Dontayvion Wicks vows to step up for Packers

Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks says he is ready to become a bigger piece of the puzzle in what has become an explosive passing game.

“When you take somebody out of the room like that and he gets hurt, it brings the group down,” Wicks told reporters. “But you also build up from the preparation being put in and all the work we put in as a group. Here, it’s really next man up. But the leader ‘Bird’ is, you can’t really bring that back with him not being (on the field).”

Through two weeks, Wicks has caught just six passes for 74 yards, but that could be about to change.

With Christian Watson still working his way back from a torn ACL, and Reed sidelined, Wicks stepping up could prove pivotal for the Packers’ offense.

As Jordan Love continues to work his way towards getting on the same page with rookie receiver Matthew Golden, Wicks could see a much larger piece of the Packers’ target share beginning sunday.

Packers' Critical Position Battle Could Have Roster Spot at Stake 1 Dec 29, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. (7) tackles Green Bay Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks (13) during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

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

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