Lions Set to Benefit from Packers' New WR Concern Ahead of Clash

Jan 9, 2022; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell hugs Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur after the game at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-Imagn Images
Jan 9, 2022; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell hugs Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur after the game at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-Imagn Images | Raj Mehta-Imagn Images

The Detroit Lions have been preparing for the Week 1 contest against the Green Bay Packers. Starting the season against a division rival adds that much more pressure and intensity to the matchup.

Detroit has played well in this series since 2022, as they've won six of the last seven games. The Lions swept last year's season series, including a 24-14 win at Lambeau Field in Week 9. Now this time around, Detroit could have an advantage after the latest update on Jayden Reed.

Jason Wilde reported that Reed returned to practice for Green Bay on Wednesday after being sidelined since Aug. 6. He was in a boot earlier this summer, but it's been revealed that he has a Jones fracture in that foot. And it's something that he'll have to deal with throughout the season.

Packers Jayden Reed Has Foot Injury Leading Into Week 1 vs. Lions

Reed said he plans to rest with a combo of treatments to get through the season. A Jones fracture typically requires surgery and months of rehab, but Reed will push through the pain to suit up in Green Bay. While he's tough as nails for this, it only favors Detroit.

He's played in four games against the Lions in his career and torched them last campaign. In Week 9, Reed finished with five catches (six targets) for 113 yards and 22.6 yards per reception. The Michigan State product lit up his division rival, and the Lions made sure that didn't happen in the following contest.

Cause in Week 14, Reed finished with zero catches against the same Lions defense. Now, it's a new campaign, and everyone is looking ahead. Reed being less than 100% works in the Lions' favor.

The Packers' wide receiver room has several pass catchers, but no one has claimed that No. 1 role. They drafted Matthew Golden in the first round this April, and he joined Romeo Doubs and Reed in the WR room.

With one of their best playmakers already nursing an injury, it'll only add more pressure onto the other young WRs in the room.

Despite Kelvin Sheppard taking over as defensive coordinator, they know what to expect with the Packers' offense and scheme. Reed is a big part of what Green Bay does on offense, and with him already dealing with an injury, their offense will need to lean on other players on the field. And the Lions will see what those guys can do when asked to step up.

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