The Green Bay Packers have built ‌early momentum‌ this season. But in Week 2, they lost one of their key players to injury: Jayden Reed. Now, this Sunday, they face a brutal test against the Browns without him. Cleveland has a defense that leads the league in total yards allowed per game (191.5), run defense (45.5 yards), and is third-best against the pass (146 yards). Losing a key weapon as they prepare to battle this defensive juggernaut is a headache anyone would dread.

But Reed didn’t just quietly step aside. Instead, he threw a little digital shade at the NFL’s officiating that could land him in hot water. The young receiver took to X, reposting a fan’s praise of that play. The fan wrote, “Man, it’s a real shame that 1, Jayden Reed got injured and 2, that the play got called back due to holding, because my goodness what a throw-and-catch.” Reed reposted it, adding, “Sick this ain’t count that’s a dot 😭,” and directly calling out the officiating.

The play in question happened during the Packers’ Sept. 11 Week 2 win over the Washington Commanders, when Reed stretched out for what would have been a stunning 39-yard touchdown catch. Unfortunately, a holding penalty on right tackle Anthony Belton wiped it off the board. Instead, Reed broke his collarbone and had to undergo double surgery to repair the broken clavicle and a lingering Jones fracture in his left foot. However, this post by the receiver on X could result in a fine or punishment from the league, given the NFL’s sensitivity to player criticism of officials. Because we have witnessed this before in Joe Mixon’s saga.

After the Texans’ playoff loss to the Chiefs last season, Mixon was fined $25,000 for comments he didn’t even make. The NFL had misattributed former Bengal T.J. Houshmandzadeh’s criticism to Mixon, but they weren’t having it, citing the “50/50” calls that favored the Chiefs. Joe called the NFL out on social media in January, “I’m getting fined by the @nfl for what someone else said. What’s next? I get fined by them for Connor McDavid cross-checking an opponent on a @nhl game!” Reed is treading a similar path by openly calling out a penalty that cost him a touchdown, especially while sidelined.

Reed’s injury is a tremendous blow. The 25-year-old led Green Bay in receptions and receiving yards each of the last two seasons. And also showed grit playing through his foot injury during training camp. Coach Matt LaFleur addressed his situation: “He’s going to miss a lot of time. We’ll see how fast he can recover and heal, and certainly I would expect him back at some point this season, but obviously it’s a big blow to us.” But Reed’s absence leaves the Packers’ offense with a glaring question: who steps up when the chips are down?

Who steps up in place of Jayden Reed

Reed is sidelined indefinitely, and with his teammate Christian Watson recovering from an ACL tear, the Packers’ receiving corps suddenly looks thin. The spotlight shifts to players like Dontayvion Wicks, Matthew Golden, Savion Williams, Malik Heath, and tight end Tucker Kraft. Among these, Kraft showed promise with six catches for 124 yards last week. The team has no choice but to rely on the next man up mentality if it hopes to compete with the Browns’ defense next Sunday.

Wicks is primed for a breakout. Known for his resiliency after battling inconsistency in 2024, Wicks has shown hunger and determination. Rookie first-round pick Golden and fellow rookie Williams have earned their reps in the offense. And Heath already made a huge 37-yard catch in the game against the Commanders. Reed had updated that he expects to be back this season, but unfortunately, that seems impossible now.

Meanwhile, Watson is eligible to return to practice after the Week 5 bye. But for now, the offense leans on this patchwork receiving corps. Quarterback Jordan Love’s chemistry with these players will be crucial against a stifling defense like the Browns. The hope is that strong performances will cover for Reed’s absence and keep Green Bay’s championship aspirations alive.