What can Packers expect from players nearing return from IR or PUP?

The Packers have designated several players to come off either IR or the PUP list. Some could contribute as soon as this Sunday. Others might not see action this season.

Over the past few weeks, the Green Bay Packers have designated a handful of players to return from either injured reserve or the physically unable to perform list. Barring setbacks, they will have a chance to move onto the 53-man roster, some as early as this week.

Rarely do Super Bowl contenders see such a significant influx of talent so late in the year. With that in mind, let’s look at the players pushing to return and assess what the Packers can expect from them this season.

Jayden Reed

Among the players designated to return, none casts a larger shadow than Jayden Reed. The third-year pro led the Packers in receiving in each of his first two seasons and began 2025 in similarly impressive fashion despite playing through a partially broken foot. In fact, the play on which he fractured his collarbone saw him catch a 39-yard touchdown, though a holding penalty nullified the score.

At the start of the season, the Packers’ cup runneth over with weapons who could create after the catch. The situation shifted quickly, with Tucker Kraft tearing his ACL in addition to Reed’s injury. The Green Bay offense might have found its footing in recent weeks, but it has done so largely without a receiver capable of consistently breaking tackles.

That could change on Sunday with Reed expected to officially make his return.