Logo

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

Matt LaFleur just got asked the one question Packers fans knew was  inevitable

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.

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed

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.

25 views
Panthers Rookie Uses Entire First $600K NFL Check to Repay Mom: A Story That Silenced the Entire League. His Mom Reveals the True Essence of the Man Behind the Player, Leaving Everyone in Tears
By ESPN Sports Desk, December 11, 2025 In a league where rookies typically spend their first earnings on expensive cars, flashy watches, or luxury apartments, a new wide receiver joining the Carolina Panthers is drawing attention for an entirely opposite reason. Standing out with his agile speed and exceptional football skills, this guy is now admired not just for his talent on the field, but also for his deep affection, humility, and loyalty to his family. When he received his first genuine NFL paycheck, a $600,000 amount after taxes, he could have easily splurged on the usual luxuries for newcomers. However, instead of chasing highend cars or a glamorous lifestyle, he chose to do something far more meaningful. He booked a flight back to his hometown in Louisiana, completed the necessary paperwork, and handed his mother the keys to a brandnew threebedroom house. That moment unfolded quietly and warmly, just the two of them in the new living room, sharing an emotional experience that would forever alter their fates. Ashton Jeanty Raised singlehandedly by his mother after his father's early tragic death, he has a profound understanding of hard labor and silent sacrifices. She worked tirelessly, taking on multiple jobs at once to ensure her son had everything needed to pursue his passion for football. “She took on three jobs just so I could have cleats and attend practices,” he shared in his first press conference after the news spread. “I promised her when I was 11 years old: when I make it to the NFL, you won't have to work anymore.” So, when he held that first paycheck in his hands, he knew exactly what to do. No extravagant parties, no showy vehicles, just simply fulfilling a promise from years ago. His mother, caught off guard by the gesture, posted the moment on Instagram, and it quickly became a sensation. In the photo, she stands in the middle of the house, hands covering her face in tears, while he kneels and hugs her tightly. The caption? Concise but powerful: “My son has fulfilled his promise.” The post spread rapidly across social media, garnering over six million views in just one day. NFL stars like Deebo Samuel and Christian McCaffrey competed in comments, praising his humility and the love he showed for his mom. Samuel wrote: “That's a real man right there,” while McCaffrey expressed: “This is the motivation for why we play.” In the Panthers' locker room, he had already earned respect from teammates for his approachable attitude and dedication to the team, but now he's become a true icon. Veteran wide receiver DJ Moore remarked: “Our room is full of talent, but no one has a bigger heart than that kid.” Even head coach Dave Canales, who is usually reserved about publicly praising individuals, took time to reflect on his actions. “That act goes beyond football,” Canales stated at the press conference. “It reminds us of life's core values: family, love, and loyalty.” Although $600,000 might not be a lifechanging sum for a top rookie in today's NFL, the value of his choice is priceless. That money wasn't just for purchasing, it also reflected the qualities that shape who he is. Amid a noisy world full of drama and distractions, this story acts like a lighthouse illuminating the true meaning of success. He may score on the field, but his greatest achievement lies off the pitch, as a son who kept his vow from his teenage years. It's a lesson that success isn't measured by the money you earn, but by the people you support along the journey.