Packers lose Reed and Bako-Bewele to injuries on opening drive

The Green Bay Packers lost wide receiver Jayden Reed and right tackle Zach Bako-Bewele to serious-looking injuries on consecutive plays during their opening drive against the New York Jets. Reed was tackled after a short gain on a bubble screen or swing pass, remained on the field, and was taken away on a backboard and stretcher. He was ruled out with a neck injury, although other reports described it as a head injury, and further details and a timetable were unavailable. Bako-Bewele suffered a significant right-knee injury on the following play, was placed in an air cast, carted off, and ruled out for the rest of the game, with Anthony Belton expected to replace him. The injuries were concerning because both players missed substantial time with injuries in 2025; Reed had a broken collarbone and surgically repaired foot, while Bako-Bewele also missed significant time. Reed had signed a three-year extension before the 2026 season, and Bako-Bewele received a four-year extension in 2025.