Packers Edge Jets 20-17 in OT as Skyy Moore's 63-Yard Return Sparks Rally

Q: With Reed carted off on a spine board, who will step up to save the Packers' passing game from a devastating collapse?

Christian Watson is the clear candidate to carry Green Bay’s passing game if Jayden Reed misses time, with Matthew Golden next in line for a bigger role. Watson entered 2026 as Jordan Love’s No. 1 receiver and has the strongest case to absorb Reed’s lost volume. He already led the Packers’ wideout room in preseason and early-season production, and outside analysis around the team has consistently identified him as the offense’s top target. His size and big-play ability make him the most proven option to stabilize the passing attack. Golden is the player most likely to benefit from expanded opportunities opposite Watson. Green Bay has been counting on a Year 2 jump from the former first-round pick, and coaches have praised his route work and growth in camp. If Reed is sidelined beyond Sunday, Golden’s snap share and target total should rise quickly. The Packers also have secondary answers, but they are more complementary than transformational. Bo Melton can add speed and occasional explosive plays, while Skyy Moore offers slot and return-game versatility. Tight ends Tucker Kraft and Jonnu Smith should also see a larger share of targets, especially on intermediate throws that Reed often helps create. So the practical answer is not one savior, but a reshaped hierarchy: Watson as the centerpiece, Golden as the likely breakout beneficiary, and Kraft and Smith helping Love keep the offense functional while Green Bay awaits clarity on Reed’s neck injury.

3 articles · Updated · Packers.com · Sep 21

Green Bay erased a 17-14 deficit late when Skyy Moore's 63-yard punt return set up Trey Smack's 34-yard tying field goal, before Smack won it with a 26-yarder in overtime.
Moore drove the comeback despite an ugly offensive day, piling up 208 return yards while the Packers managed just 199 total yards, went 1-for-9 on third down and absorbed 14 penalties for 133 yards.
Lukas Van Ness helped keep Green Bay alive with 1.5 sacks, nine tackles and a fourth-down stop late in regulation, then joined an overtime sack that forced the Jets to punt before the winning drive.
The win came after a brutal injury start: Jayden Reed was carted off with a neck injury but said he was doing better, while multiple offensive linemen also left and stretched Green Bay's depth.