Coach Matt LaFleur Reveals Potential Return of Packers WR After Broken Collarbone Injury

The Green Bay Packers may soon welcome back one of their most dynamic weapons, a young wide receiver who hasn’t played since Week 2 due to a serious collarbone injury.

This player suffered a broken collarbone and a lower leg issue that required two separate surgeries, leaving many to believe his season was all but over. Still, Green Bay quietly kept its sights on a late-season return, with Thanksgiving or the Week 14 clash against the Chicago Bears marked as the potential window. Now, signs are pointing in a promising direction.

On November 21, the team officially opened the 21-day practice window from injured reserve. According to head coach Matt LaFleur, a return could be very close.

"The plan is to see where he's at at the end of the week and if he's good to go. He has got to get cleared first. I know he's back to practicing, but he's ultimately got to be cleared to go out there and play a game." LaFleur said on Monday.

That player is Jayden Reed.

While he still needs final medical clearance, the fact that he’s already practicing is a huge step forward. Known for his speed, route-running, and ability to stretch the field from the slot, Reed's return would bring much-needed explosiveness back into the Packers’ offense. With opposing defenses tightening up in recent weeks, having a healthy Reed again could change the balance of power.

And he is not the only one potentially returning in Week 14. Wide receiver Matthew Golden, who has been limited by shoulder and wrist injuries and has only played 19 snaps since Week 9, has resumed practicing. LaFleur described Golden as a “natural playmaker” and someone whose toughness will help him push through. If active, he would rejoin a deep receiver group that includes Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Reed, and Dontayvion Wicks.

Linebacker Quay Walker also appears to be trending upward after missing two games with a nerve issue. His speed and tackling will be key in slowing down the Bears’ ground game. Cornerback Nate Hobbs, out for four weeks with an MCL sprain, could also be back. Even rookie running back MarShawn Lloyd, who hasn’t played a single snap this year due to a preseason hamstring injury, had his return window opened this week. While Week 14 is unlikely for Lloyd, Week 15 or 16 remains on the table.

All signs point to a healthier, more dangerous Packers squad just in time for a critical stretch. And if Jayden Reed steps back onto the field, he may prove to be the missing spark in Green Bay’s push toward the postseason.