Packers’ Jayden Reed Hospitalized After Neck Injury Against Jets/ TezzBuzz/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Green Bay Packers receiver Jayden Reed was hospitalized overnight after suffering a neck injury against the New York Jets. Coach Matt LaFleur said Reed had movement in all his extremities, while the receiver later told supporters he was “doing much better.” Packers tackle Zach Bako-Bewele suffered a potentially serious knee injury on the following play during Green Bay’s overtime victory.
Quick Look
- Jayden Reed injured his neck during Green Bay’s opening possession.
- Medical personnel immobilized him on a backboard before he was carted off.
- Coach Matt LaFleur said Reed had movement in all his extremities.
- Reed remained at a New Jersey hospital overnight for observation.
- The Packers did not provide a timetable for his return.
- Reed told supporters he was “doing much better.”
- Zach Bako-Bewele sustained a knee injury on the next play.
- Green Bay defeated the New York Jets 20-17 in overtime.
- Several other Packers and Jets players left with injuries.
Deep Look
Reed hospitalized following neck injury
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed was taken to a New Jersey hospital after sustaining a neck injury during the opening drive of Sunday’s game against the New York Jets.
Packers coach Matt LaFleur said Reed had movement in all his extremities. The receiver remained hospitalized overnight for observation rather than traveling home with the team.
The Packers said no additional medical update or timetable for Reed’s return would be provided Sunday night. The team’s official postgame account confirmed the movement in Reed’s extremities and his overnight hospital stay. Green Bay Packers
“Doing much better,” Reed wrote on X after the game. “Appreciate all the prayers and support.”
Hard hit brings immediate medical response
Reed caught a short pass from quarterback Jordan Love on Green Bay’s second offensive play. Jets linebacker Demario Davis hit him after a 4-yard gain, with Davis’ left shoulder pad appearing to make contact with Reed’s helmet.
Reed fell face down on the field and appeared to be in considerable pain. Athletic trainers and other medical personnel immediately rushed onto the field.
After Reed was turned onto his back and evaluated for several minutes, medical workers secured him to a backboard and placed him on a cart.
The Packers’ sideline gathered around him, with many players kneeling and praying. Several Jets defenders, including Davis, also remained nearby.
“That was obviously a very scary deal,” LaFleur said, “any time you see anybody down on the field and have to get carted off.”
Teammates respond to frightening scene
Packers wide receiver Christian Watson said the early information about Reed’s condition appeared encouraging.
“Obviously praying everything went good with everything at the hospital,” Watson said. “As far as I’ve heard, it’s positive news so far. I’m just keeping him in my thoughts and prayers. I never want to see that for anybody on that field, but especially someone that I consider a brother to myself.”
“I spend more time with J-Reed than I do my family. That’s my dawg.”
The 26-year-old Reed is playing his fourth NFL season. Green Bay selected him in the second round of the 2023 NFL draft following his college career at Michigan State.
Bako-Bewele injured on following play
The Packers experienced another alarming injury immediately after play resumed.
Right tackle Zach Bako-Bewele went down with a knee injury while blocking Jets rookie pass rusher David Bailey. He struck the turf in frustration as Green Bay’s medical staff returned to the field.
Bako-Bewele was helped onto a cart but remained seated upright. He exchanged hand slaps with teammates and waved before being driven from the field.
“That doesn’t look good, either, as far as, you know, I think he could be out for a long time,” LaFleur said.
Anthony Belton replaced Bako-Bewele at right tackle. The team had not announced a definitive diagnosis or recovery timeline.
Packers center Sean Rhyan said seeing two teammates removed by cart on consecutive plays served as a reminder that football players remain vulnerable despite their protective equipment.
“It’s terrible,” Rhyan said. “You never want to see the stretcher come out and you never want to see the cart come out. It humanizes the game a little bit. We’re still humans outside of the helmets and stuff, so you never want to see the opponent or your teammate or your brother laying there getting lifted out.”
Despite the injuries, Green Bay recovered to defeat New York 20-17 in overtime. The Packers confirmed that Reed, Bako-Bewele, Aaron Banks and Donovan Jennings were all lost to injuries during the game. Packers game updates
Multiple players leave game with injuries
The Packers’ injury problems extended beyond Reed and Bako-Bewele.
Guard Aaron Banks sustained a toe injury, while his replacement, Donovan Jennings, injured his hand. Defensive tackle Anthony Campbell left with an ankle injury.
The Jets also lost several players. Linebackers Marcelino McCrary-Ball and Kiko Mauigoa were ruled out with ankle and quadriceps injuries, respectively. Defensive lineman David Onyemata departed with a groin injury.
Jets tight end Mason Taylor injured his thumb during the fourth quarter, while wide receiver Arian Smith sustained a late knee injury.
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