The injured wide receiver group for the Green Bay Packers will be thinner than normal today.
Great rookie Jayden Reed and second-year running back Christian Watson are both out of the Packers’ (6-8) crucial matchup with Carolina (2-12).
The good news for Green Bay is that both cornerback Jaire Alexander (shoulder) and running back A.J. Dillon (broken thumb) are available.
Romeo Doubs (52) and Dontayvion Wicks (31), the only healthy wideouts for the Packers with at least 30 receptions
this season, are the only players. Reserves deep on the depth chart Malik Heath (10 catches), Samori Toure (7), and
Bo Melton (1) will play bigger roles than normal.
With one more reception, Reed would tie Sterling Sharpe’s record of 55 rookie receptions with the Packers. Apart
from his 54 receptions, which leads the squad, Reed has also run the ball 11 times for 119 yards(10.8) and eight
touchdowns in total.
However, Reed, who had been playing through injuries to his chest and ankle in the previous few weeks, suffered a toe injury last week and will miss his first game of the season.
Regarding Reed, Green Bay coach Matt LaFleur stated, “I think first and foremost it’s just he is as tough a young
player as I’ve been around.” He’s another guy who has been through a lot and is now getting hit, but to his credit, he
keeps fighting.
We’ve used him a lot in the run game, and he’s clearly made some contributions as a returner and receiver in
addition to his versatility because not everyone can rush into the backfield and grab a handoff. I simply enjoy his
approach to the game. He always tries to perform to the best of his abilities, whether it’s making crucial blocks or
catches, whether it’s a run play or a throw play. I have enormous respect for this man.
