Jayden Reed will miss the rest of the season and needs neck surgery, Packers coach Matt LaFleur confirmed Wednesday. That changes the outlook from last week's uncertain return timetable to a season-long absence for Green Bay's receiver.
LaFleur delivered the update in the Packers' official September 30 press conference. Reed told him Tuesday that surgery would be necessary. The coach identified the issue as involving Reed's neck, while emphasizing that he was not offering a detailed medical diagnosis. Yahoo Sports independently reported the season-ending surgery Wednesday.
Reed was injured during Green Bay's September 20 overtime win at the Jets. He was placed on a backboard and taken off on a cart after a first-quarter reception. LaFleur said afterward that Reed had movement in his extremities. Reed later returned to Green Bay, but those earlier developments did not establish when he could resume playing.
The Wednesday announcement settles that question for this season. Green Bay's remaining receivers will have to cover his role for the full schedule, rather than prepare for a possible late-season return. No player has been promised all of Reed's targets or every part of his assignment.
LaFleur said his understanding was that the injury was not career-ending. That is the coach's assessment, not a guarantee about Reed's recovery or next season. The confirmed roster consequence is his absence for the remainder of 2026; the surgery and rehabilitation still lie ahead.
